Barack Obama’s reaction to Malia dropping the family surname mirrored Michelle’s—supportive but realistic. He admitted his first thought was that people would still recognize her, but he understood her desire to be judged on her own work. Both parents emphasized that their daughters want independence and don’t want to be seen as relying on their family name. In the end, Barack and Michelle respect Malia’s choice as part of her journey to define herself on her own terms.
