President-elect Donald Trump has affirmed that his wife Melania will play an “active” role in his upcoming administration. However, he implied it is uncertain whether she will inhabit the White House full-time during his second term.
Speaking in an extensive interview with Time magazine on Thursday, December 12, Trump lauded his wife’s involvement in his campaign, despite her limited public appearances. “She was very active towards the end, as you saw with interviews. And she does them well. People really watch,” he said.
Nonetheless, numerous sources indicate that Melania, the soon-to-be First Lady, is unlikely to establish Washington, D.C. as her principal residence. She intends to split her time between Palm Beach, Florida, where the Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate is situated, and New York City, where their 18-year-old son Barron attends New York University as a freshman.
This approach would signify an unprecedented divergence from the typical First Lady roles, as no previous presidential spouse has chosen to reside separately from the White House. Despite this unconventional strategy, Mrs. Trump is anticipated to maintain an active role during significant White House events and official duties.
During Trump’s first term, Melania preferred a more private role. She concentrated on children’s welfare and the opioid crisis, often steering clear of the limelight. This trend persisted throughout most of the 2024 campaign season, though she made several noteworthy appearances.
The former First Lady joined her husband at crucial campaign events, including the Republican National Convention, his rally at Madison Square Garden, and his election night victory speech. Most recently, she accompanied him at the New York Stock Exchange for the opening bell ceremony.
Sources close to Mrs. Trump’s plans suggest that she has gained significant experience from her previous stint as First Lady and plans to redefine her role this time. She has already demonstrated some independence on policy issues, notably differing from her husband’s position on abortion rights, in her new memoir.
The former First Lady recently concluded a book tour promoting her memoir, “Melania,” which was published in October. Her absence from certain campaign events was attributed to this commitment, including turning down a traditional invitation for tea and a tour from current First Lady Jill Biden.
According to Melania, their son Barron played a crucial role in the 2024 campaign, offering valuable insights about reaching young voters. She wants to maintain proximity to New York City the forthcoming presidential term, to be supportive for her son.
