Even years after leaving the White House, the public’s fascination with Malia and Sasha Obama continues unabated. The nation watched these two young girls transform into poised young women during their tenure in the nation’s capital.
From being tiny grade-schoolers to becoming fashionable teenagers, the Obama sisters seemed to navigate their high-profile upbringing with remarkable grace. Yet, even in moments of their ordinary lives, candid photographs captured by persistent paparazzi have led to discussions about their choices and lifestyles.
Recently, both Malia, 25, and Sasha, 22, have come under scrutiny for their occasional indulgence in smoking. The images of the two sisters enjoying a cigarette have prompted commentary on their behavior.
Sasha, a University of Southern California graduate, was seen smoking with friends during Labor Day weekend, while Malia, a Harvard alum, was photographed smoking in Los Angeles on October 4. Additionally, Malia was previously photographed smoking marijuana at the 2016 Lollapalooza festival in her hometown, Chicago.
Didn’t Barack Obama credit Malia for him quitting smoking? What a fake family have they become! Obamas LOL Bless the Nation 🇺🇸 https://t.co/gFiw5gDnaf
— Tweet Shank (@opinion_8d) October 6, 2023
Responses to these images have been varied. Some critiqued Malia’s choice, juxtaposing it with a past photo of her wearing a “Smoking Kills” t-shirt. Others drew parallels between the actions of ex-presidential children from both sides of the aisle, suggesting they have, at times, brought disrepute to their families.
However, many users came to the sisters’ defense, asserting that they should be allowed to live their lives without unwarranted scrutiny. They argued against the invasive nature of paparazzi and compared the situation to the past experiences of presidential children like the Bush twins.
During his time in office, Barack Obama openly addressed his own struggles with smoking. He candidly spoke about using nicotine gum to combat his cravings and admitted to seeking secluded spots in the White House for a smoke break, providing a glimpse into how even the most prominent figures contend with personal challenges.
