Republican aide resigns over Obama daughters row

Elizabeth Lauten criticised Malia and Sasha Obama’s pose and dress at White House ceremony

US president Barack Obama’s daughters Sasha (L) and Malia listen to their father during the pardoning of the National Thanksgiving turkey  at the White House in Washington on November 26th. Photograph: Reuters
US president Barack Obama’s daughters Sasha (L) and Malia listen to their father during the pardoning of the National Thanksgiving turkey at the White House in Washington on November 26th. Photograph: Reuters

Elizabeth Lauten, the US congressional staff member who posted critical comments of Sasha and Malia Obama on her Facebook page late last week, has resigned.

Ms Lauten, who was the communications director for Republican Stephen Fincher posted the derogatory comments after the Obama daughters appeared with their father at the annual turkey pardoning last week, a presidential tradition for the harvest holiday of Thanksgiving when Americans partake in a feast that features the turkey as its centrepiece.

In the post, Ms Lauten told the girls to “dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar”.

President Barack Obama pardons Cheese, the National Thanksgiving turkey, as his daughters Sasha and Malia, right, look on. Photograph: Jabin Botsford/The New York Times
President Barack Obama pardons Cheese, the National Thanksgiving turkey, as his daughters Sasha and Malia, right, look on. Photograph: Jabin Botsford/The New York Times

“Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class,” she wrote.

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The Facebook rant went viral and provoked a storm of criticism.

Ms Lauten quickly posted an apology on Friday, saying, “After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents, and re-reading my words online, I can see more clearly just how hurtful my words were.”

She later made a majority of her Facebook profile private.

The New York Times