Elizabeth Lauten, the communications director for Republican Congressman Stephen Fincher of Tennessee, posted an open letter to Sasha and Malia Obama on her Facebook page after watching the girls’ less-than-enthusiastic participation in the annual Presidential turkey pardon.
“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.
Lauten criticized the First Daughters for their attire and insinuated that they didn’t care about their responsibilities as White House residents.
“Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised, public events,” she added. “Act like being in the White House matters to you.”
Lauten went on to criticize the way their parents, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, raised their young daughters.
“Then again, [your] mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter. So I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department.”
Lauten’s Facebook post quickly went viral, inciting severe backlash from readers. Hours later, Lauten posted an apology on Facebook, saying she “quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager.”
She also promised to “learn and grow from this experience.”
Meanwhile, a petition was started on Change.org calling for Lauten to be fired.
Watch the presidential turkey pardon and the Obama girls’ hilarious facial expressions below.