In her latest book, “Something Lost, Something Gained,” former First-Lady Hillary Clinton provides an in-depth description of her initial face-to-face interaction with former First-Lady Melania Trump following the 2016 election.
The interaction happened in November 2023 during a memorial service in Atlanta, Georgia, for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. At this event, Clinton, alongside fellow former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, crossed paths with Melania under what Clinton characterizes as an “awkward” scenario, due to Donald Trump’s history of disparaging remarks towards the women’s families.
Clinton offers a vivid description of the moment, painting Melania as having “a look on her face — very smiley but uncertain — that reminded me of the little kid at the birthday party who doesn’t know anyone and is waiting at the edge of the circle, hoping people are going to be nice.”
Despite the palpable tension, the women engaged Melania. According to Clinton, Jill Biden greeted Melania with an air-kiss on the cheek while Michelle Obama embraced her warmly, demonstrating civility and harmony in a potentially challenging situation.
The book also explores the history of Clinton’s interactions with Melania, tracing back to their first meeting at Donald and Melania Trump’s wedding in 2005. Clinton, who attended the event out of curiosity, recalls Melania as being “young, very beautiful, and very tall” but not engaging much in conversation on her wedding day. This early encounter, along with subsequent interactions, shaped Clinton’s “conflicted” perception of Melania, a topic further explored in her book.
Clinton’s book delves into her difficulty reconciling Melania’s public image with her husband’s contentious conduct. Clinton does not attribute responsibility to a wife for her husband’s actions, but she admits to questioning whether Melania “aided and abetted her husband’s worst instincts” or if she was complicit in Donald Trump’s more polarizing rhetoric and policies.
A distinct critique directed at Melania was her attire selection during Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service. Melania donned a gray suit instead of the traditionally expected black, which many perceived as inappropriate for a funeral. Nonetheless, Clinton defended Melania, explaining that the old custom of wearing black at funerals isn’t as common today.
Clinton further noted that Rosalynn’s grandson, Jason Carter, sported a gray suit during his tribute, and President Joe Biden wore blue. She asserted that the criticism leveled at Melania over her attire was unjustified, particularly since no men were scrutinized for their clothing choices, highlighting a double standard often faced by women.
The book also sheds light on the challenges of public life, specifically for women in high-profile positions, and provides insights into the intricate relationships in politics.
