As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, speculation is swirling about the potential role of former First Lady Melania Trump, should her husband, Donald Trump, be re-elected. Political commentators are hinting that Melania may not fully resume her duties as a full-time resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but instead choose to spend most of her time away from Washington, D.C.
An Axios report featuring insights from experienced observers, referred to as “Melania-ologists,” suggests that Melania Trump may not be eager to return to the East Wing full-time. Instead, these observers predict that she could split her time between Palm Beach, Florida and New York City, where her son Barron is now attending college. They believe she might only be present at the White House for ceremonial occasions such as state dinners or special events.
Kate Anderson Brower, author of “First Women,” shared with Axios, “She’s distancing herself even more from her husband and the Washington social-political scene. I mean, she clearly hated being in Washington.” This view is also held by Mary Jordan, author of “The Art of Her Deal,” a biography on Melania Trump, who said, “Melania does what Melania wants.”
If this speculation proves true, Melania Trump would join a small group of past first ladies who did not reside in the White House during the majority of their husbands’ presidencies. Anna Harrison was preparing to join President William Henry Harrison in Washington when he passed away just one month into his term, and Bess Truman lived at Blair House during renovations at the White House under President Harry Truman’s administration. However, unlike these historical precedents, Melania Trump’s potential arrangement would be voluntary, indicating her preference for life outside of Washington.
According to a 2018 Washington Post report, Melania and Donald Trump led notably separate lives during their time in the White House and even had separate bedrooms. Although there were rumors that Melania resided with her parents and Barron in a different home in Washington, her staff categorically denied these claims.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former aide to Melania, has said that despite the potential for Melania to keep a low profile following Donald Trump’s legal issues, she does not believe they will separate. “She’s going to keep her head low. She’s going only to do what she wants to do. She and Donald, I do not believe, are ever, ever going to part ways,” Wolkoff stated.
Should Melania Trump choose to limit her presence in Washington, her approach to the role of first lady would greatly differ from her predecessors. Traditionally, first ladies have been very public figures, engaged in various initiatives and acting as a visible support for the president. However, Melania has consistently shown a more private and reserved approach, concentrating on a select few initiatives like her “Be Best” campaign, which was geared towards promoting child welfare and combating cyberbullying.
There has been some discussion surrounding the possibility of Melania Trump reinvigorating her “Be Best” campaign. Despite criticism for its limited impact during her initial tenure in the White House, it is suggested that if relaunched, it could be backed by a larger, more competent team to bolster its effectiveness.
The nature of Melania Trump’s involvement in a potential second Trump presidency remains unclear. Speculation about her deciding to live outside of Washington, dividing her time between Florida and New York, suggests a preference for maintaining a distance from both the political stage and her husband. Her intermittent presence in Washington, restricted to ceremonial occasions, would be a significant departure from the conventional expectations of a first lady’s role within the White House.