Melania Trump plans to redefine the role of First Lady in a potential second term, opting for a non-traditional approach that prioritizes her personal life over White House duties.
At a Glance
- Melania Trump intends to split her time between New York, Florida, and Washington D.C.
- She will fulfill her First Lady role on her own terms, participating in major events but avoiding smaller engagements.
- Melania has already skipped a major First Lady tradition by not meeting with outgoing First Lady Jill Biden.
- She feels more experienced and knowledgeable about her role this term compared to the last.
A New Approach to First Lady Duties
As the possibility of a second Trump presidency looms, Melania Trump is preparing to take on the role of First Lady once again, but with a decidedly different approach. Sources close to the former First Lady indicate that she plans to divide her time between New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, and Washington D.C., eschewing the traditional full-time residence at the White House.
This non-traditional arrangement reflects Melania’s desire to balance her public duties with her personal life. While she has expressed support for her husband’s return to office, her approach suggests a continued ambivalence towards the more demanding aspects of the First Lady role.
Selective Engagement and Experience
Melania’s strategy for her potential second term appears to be one of selective engagement. According to insider reports, she intends to participate in major events but will likely avoid smaller engagements and interviews that have traditionally been part of the First Lady’s responsibilities.
“Melania will be the first lady, but only on her terms. She’ll do the big events. But no ladies’ tea and no — or very few — interviews.” the Mar-a-Lago insider said.
Despite this unconventional approach, Melania has expressed confidence in her ability to handle the role, citing her previous experience in the White House. In a recent Fox News interview, she stated, “This time is different. I have much more experience and much more knowledge. I was in the White House before. When you go in, you know exactly what to expect.”
Melania, my New Book, is now available nationwide.
I hope you enjoy stories from my childhood, the White House years, how I became a model, our beautiful wedding, and so much more.
My Story. My Perspective. The Truth. https://t.co/XJN18tMllg pic.twitter.com/h28laLMRso
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) October 8, 2024
Breaking with Tradition
Melania’s departure from traditional First Lady roles has already been evident in the transition process. She notably declined a White House invitation to meet with outgoing First Lady Jill Biden, citing a scheduling conflict related to her book. This break from the long-standing tradition of the incoming and outgoing First Ladies meeting has raised eyebrows and further underscored Melania’s unconventional approach.
“Her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success.” the statement read.
During Melania Trump' s second go-around as first lady, she only plans to live at the White House part time, according to a report. https://t.co/xJYQP42JCC pic.twitter.com/TY6qDx8kMT
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) November 13, 2024
While Melania’s office has expressed her support for her husband’s return to office, her actions suggest a desire to maintain a degree of independence and privacy. This balance between public duty and personal preference will likely define her potential second term as First Lady, should Donald Trump secure the presidency once again.
Sources:
- Melania Trump will be ‘part-time first lady, full-time mother’ to Barron during second term, plans to split time between homes
- Melania Trump skips the White House
- Melania Trump Expected to Be in a Long-Distance Relationship With the White House as Second-Time First Lady: Report
- Melania Trump Expected to Be in a Long-Distance Relationship With the White House as Second-Time First Lady: Report