Celebrity

Fans Defend Michelle Obama From Internet Trolls Who Say 'She Has No Maternal Instincts' After She Says She 'Doesn't Miss' Her Daughters Now That They've Moved Out: 'She Earned The Right To Enjoy This Time In Her Life'

August 31, 2026 by Julia DeKorte
shefinds | Celebrity
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Michelle and Barack Obama share two children together, Malia, 28, and Sasha, 25, both of whom have long since moved out and started their own individual lives. On a recent episode of her podcast, guest Jon Stewart asked Michelle if she missed her daughters at all, to which she quickly responded, “I don’t miss ’em,” which has thrown social media into a frenzy. Keep reading for more information.

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michelle obama daughters

Michelle Obama Doesn't Miss Her Daughters

Last week, Michelle Obama welcomed comedian Jon Stewart onto her podcastIMO, which she shared with her brother, Craig Robinson. Among many other topics, Jon and Michelle touched on life with older children. Jon shares two children, Nathan, 22, and Maggie, 20, with his wife, Tracey McShane, and Michelle has two daughters with former president Barack Obama, Malia and Sasha. With the common experience of their children being out on their own, Jon asked Michelle if she missed her daughters at all.

"I don't miss 'em," she said with a laugh. "I don't! I love them, I'm going to see them tonight for dinner. I love them, but Barack cried when they went to college and I was like, 'Bye...'"

She continued, explaining that she and Barack are loving being empty nesters. "Now, Friday nights aren't wrecked with terror and fear about, 'Where are you, where are you?' I have a great schedule. And it's all mine."

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Social Media Reactions

Across social media platforms, many users didn't see eye to eye with Michelle about missing their kids once they're grown. "She has no maternal instincts," one person wrote on Instagram.

"You can count on her to be negative," said another. "Always."

"Why does it sound like she hates her kids..." another person wrote.

However, many other fans came to her defense, leaving comments like, "She earned the right to enjoy this time in her life! It does not detract from her love for them."

"It’s normal," another user agreed. "We get our freedom of choice back."

"She did her time, now she can enjoy being free of those responsibilities," added another.

"Don't worry Michelle," a final user wrote. "Us women understand."

Author:

Freelance Writer

Julia DeKorte is a New York-based writer. A graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course, Julia covers celebrity and brand news for SheFinds, reviews toys and games for People of Play, and loves cooking for her family, walking her dogs, and running outside, preferably in view of the ocean. Contact Julia at julia@shefinds.com.