Barack Obama reacts to daughter Malia dropping last name

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Barack Obama has spoken out about his oldest daughter Malia’s decision not to use her last name professionally. They’re very stubborn about it.” Despite Malia wanting to separate herself from the family name professionally, her father reminded her that people may still recognize her regardless. Malia only used her first and middle name in short film credits “Now, as they’ve gotten older, there’s been some paparazzi stuff going on, and it drives them nuts,” the former president said. “I can’t brag about them enough.” Despite Malia choosing to not use her last name, many people labelled her a “nepo baby” as one critic of the short film wrote, “Calling yourself ‘Malia Ann’ is not going to avert any Nepo Baby criticisms, Miss Former First Daughter.” Whoopi Goldberg, who also uses a stage name, spoke on The View in defense of Malia’s decision explaining that she has a right to what professional name she chooses to use.