On Tuesday, the First Lady’s communications director Kristina Schake released a statement calming fears. “In light of today’s earthquake, we can confirm that Malia Obama is safe and was never in danger,” it read.
According to the Associated Press, the earthquake was followed by an aftershock felt as far away as Mexico City which sent frightened workers and residents into the streets.
Malia is in Mexico on a school-sponsored service project.
Generally speaking, the White House does not comment on the Obama children. An exception was made this one time because it concerns the safety of Malia. The White House has asked the media to refrain from reporting on the children when they’re not accompanied by a parent.