Melania's return: A more independent role for the first lady
The American news network CNN reported, citing numerous sources, that Melania Trump will behave differently during her second tenure as First Lady compared to her previous term. It is unlikely, among other things, that she will relocate permanently to Washington.
14 November 2024 10:44
The wife of President-elect Donald Trump has already shown, even before her husband assumes office, that she does not intend to meekly adhere to existing protocols. This emancipation, according to CNN, is marked by Melania Trump's absence from the meeting on Wednesday with the current First Lady of the USA, Jill Biden.
CNN comments that Melania, who explained her absence as a scheduling conflict related to duties surrounding her book publication, will actually demonstrate independence. "But the episode signals that Trump, who spent her first four years in office redefining the role, is laying an early marker – and indicating she will have even more autonomy the second time around," CNN assesses.
Melania Trump as First Lady for the second time. She will be independent
"I’m not anxious because 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," said Melania Trump in an interview with Fox News following her husband's victory over Kamala Harris.
Melania will most likely spend this term not in the White House but between New York and Palm Beach, Florida. Previously, Donald Trump also spent winter weekends at Mar-a-Lago and summers at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. It will presumably be similar this time as well.
Also, after the 2016 elections, Melania Trump delayed her move to Washington, deciding to move to the White House only a few months after the inauguration. She waited until their son Barron, who was 10 years old, finished the school year.
Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House correspondent who covered Melania Trump's first term and author of the book "Free, Melania," commented that ignoring the rules by the First Lady should not be surprising to those who have been following Melania Trump for a long time. Her absence in the campaign indicates her future plans.
She accompanied her husband only when he announced his run for re-election. She also graced him with her presence at the October rally at Madison Square Garden and on election night in West Palm Beach. CNN commented that Melania prefers not to engage publicly.
Donald and Melania generally spend little time together. There were occasions when they did not speak to each other for several days, even if both were staying at Trump Tower.
Melania allegedly knew little about her husband's actions and business dealings. Trump was not particularly engaged as a father in raising his four older children and showed even less interest in the fifth, Barron, his son with Melania. He adhered to the principle that each partner should take care of their matters.
