Barack Obama's daughters put on an overly enthusiastic show at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, as if they had been given a talking to after their last sullen public appearance.
Malia, 16, and Sasha Obama, 13, appeared full of festive cheer as they sang and danced along to a performance by girl band Fifth Harmony after the lights were turned on on the national Christmas tree outside the White House.
Last week they were criticised for looking bored as they stood next to the father at the White House 'turkey pardon'.
Elizabeth Lauten, a Republican aide, ranted on her Facebook account of the teenagers' disinterested expressions and took exception to the girls' 'classless attire'.
Her comments drew condemnation from across the world and she was forced to resign from her post after issuing an apology saying she saw 'more clearly just how hurtful my words were.'
The controversy reflected a long-standing consensus that the children of presidents should be 'off limits' - spared from the partisan and often personal invective that characterises US politics.
But the First Daughters braved the criticism, and the chilly Washington temperatures, at the outdoor concert with fur-lined coats and woolen scarves.
There was no sign of sullenness on Thursday night's event, as the girls remembered to smile, giggling together with their parents before Michelle read from The Night Before Christmas, and actor Tom Hanks made an appearance as host of the evening.
R&B singer Ne-Yo joined country star Chely Wright, and Patti Labelle, for a performance in front of 17,000 audience.
Many have come out in support of the teenagers after the public tongue-lashing, including former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager.
'I'm fiercely protective of them, obviously,' George and Laura Bush's twin daughter said in an interview on Thursday. 'I don't think that it's easy. It's not a job that they wanted...I had a hard time [growing up in the White House], but it's also a privilege.'
Barack Obama sits down for realistic 3D printed portrait
Posted by Unknown on Thursday, December 4, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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