According to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Mrs. Robinson earned the lifetime pension for "services rendered as full-time/in-home caregiver" for granddaughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, during President Obama's two terms in office.

In January of 2009, it was reported that Mrs. Robinson was living in the White House full-time to tend to her granddaughters. She was the first live-in grandmother at the White House since Elivera M. Doud, the mother of Mamie Eisenhower, during the Eisenhower Administration.

Critics say Mrs. Robinson should not profit from something as simple as taking care of family. Sally Kellner, volunteer/activist for the National Taxpayers Union, says this is a prime example of needless spending. "I think it's ridiculous that taxpayers must pay this woman a lifetime salary for something everyday Americans do for free. We take care of our families because we love them, not for profit."