Malia Obama and her sister Sasha made headlines recently when a GOP staffer made some very controversial statements about them after their appearance at the annual pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey, but former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager says the girls have a loyal friend in her.

Hager dished about her time at the White House earlier this week, saying she understands what a difficult thing it can be to suddenly find oneself thrust into the spotlight as a teen.

“I’m fiercely protective of them, obviously. 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,” she said.

Elizabeth Lauten, former communications director for Republican Congressman Stephen Fincher, took to Facebook last weekend to share her thoughts on the teens and how they appeared at the Thanksgiving event, suggesting that they “show a little class”. It was announced earlier this week that she has resigned from her position.

“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. At least respect the part you play. 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,” she wrote.

Obama has had no comment on the social media post.