Speculation is rife about former First Lady Melania Trump’s potential role should her husband, Donald Trump, win the 2024 presidential election. Analysts suggest that Melania might not live full-time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, instead preferring to spend most of her time elsewhere.
An Axios report posits Melania Trump might split her time between Palm Beach, Florida and New York, with her son Barron rumored to be starting college in the fall. The report suggests that the former First Lady would only be present at the White House for formal events such as state dinners or special occasions.
Kate Anderson Brower, author of “First Women,” told Axios, “She’s distancing herself even more from her husband and the Washington social-political scene. I mean, she clearly hated being in Washington.” Mary Jordan, author of “The Art of Her Deal,” a biography on Melania Trump, concurred, stating, “Melania does what Melania wants.”
Should Melania Trump choose not to reside at the White House full-time, she would join a small group of past presidents’ wives who have done the same. Notably, Anna Harrison was preparing to join President William Henry Harrison in Washington before his death a month into his term. Bess Truman also stayed at Blair House during renovations at the White House during President Harry Truman’s term. However, Melania Trump’s decision would be by choice, underlining her preference for life away from Washington.
A 2018 Washington Post report revealed that the Trumps had distinct daily routines and separate bedrooms in the White House. Despite rumors that Melania lived elsewhere in Washington with her parents and son, her staff firmly dismissed these claims.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former aide to Melania, opined that while Melania would never part ways with her husband, following his legal troubles she might choose to keep a low profile. “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 said.
Should Melania Trump opt for a limited presence in Washington, her approach would contrast significantly with previous first ladies who actively embraced public initiatives and served as a visible support for the president. Melania has typically maintained a more reserved demeanor, focussing on a few initiatives like her “Be Best” campaign to promote childhood well-being and combat cyberbullying.
There is also speculation about the potential revival of her “Be Best” campaign, which was criticized for its limited impact during Melania’s first tenure as first lady. However, this time around, she might have a larger and more equipped team to support her efforts.
Melania Trump’s role in a potential second Trump administration remains to be seen. The possibility of her choosing to commute between Florida and New York rather than residing full-time at the White House underscores her preference for keeping her distance from the political limelight and her husband. Her anticipated intermittent presence in Washington, restricted to ceremonial events, would mark a significant deviation from the traditional involvement of a first lady.
