World left wondering where Barack Obama’s younger daughter Sasha was during farewell speech

The West Australian
Camera IconThe Obamas (and the Bidens) say goodbye. Photo: AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais. Credit: AP

Social media went into overdrive, speculating on the whereabouts of Sasha Obama, the younger of President Barack and Michelle Obama’s two daughters, after her absence was noted during the president’s farewell speech.

The 15-year-old, who regularly attends presidential events with her sister, Malia, was absent from the crowd and did not appear on stage as President Obama delivered his final address to the nation at McCormick Place, Chicago.

The Boston Globe reported that a White House official told reporters at the event that Sasha stayed back in Washington because she has an exam in the morning.

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"You bear the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad," he said.

However he did not explain Sasha’s absence, which has left social media users speculating as to what event could have caused her to miss her dad’s crucial speech using the hashtag #WhereIsSasha

Sasha is still in high school, attending Sidwell Friends in Washington D.C.

Camera IconPresident Barack Obama walks with daughter Sasha at O’Hare International Airport. Photo: AP/Carolyn Kaster. Credit: AP

Sasha is still in high school, attending Sidwell Friends in Washington D.C.

During his speech, President Obama paid tribute to his daughters, saying they had become "two amazing young women" under the "strangest of circumstances".

"You bear the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad," he said.

However he did not explain Sasha’s absence, which left social media users speculating as to what event could have caused her to miss her dad’s crucial speech using the hashtag #WhereIsSasha

Some Twitter users suggested she may be sick, while others claimed she had a report due or was simply too emotional to attend.

The teen’s absence comes after Michelle Obama told Ellen DeGeneres during an interview that leaving the White House was going to be difficult on both of her girls.

"I’m sure the girls will have a tough time. They think they’re ready, but when you’ve grown up in a place ... I mean, imagine: They won’t be able to knock on a door and say, ’Can I see my room?’ That’s not gonna happen," she said.

"Think about it: The girls have grown up in the White House. I mean, the staff that’s there -- we see them every day. These are people who have helped us raise our kids. They’ve loved us. They’ve taken care of us. The minute we leave, that’s it."

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