Donald Trump is preparing to move back to the White House for the second time. He earned that privilege when he trounced Kamala Harris not only in the Electoral College, but also in the popular vote.
During his first presidency, Trump lived in the White House with his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron. It was already known that this time around, Barron would not be living at the White House full-time. That’s because he’s currently a freshman at NYU in New York City.
Now, rumors are swirling that Melania also may not make the White House her primary residence for her husband’s second term. Instead, she may have other plans.
From CNN:
Melania Trump is unlikely to move to Washington full time in her second go-round as first lady, multiple sources told CNN, once more showing signs of her willingness to buck tradition as she returns to her high-profile but unelected role on the world stage.Discussions about how and where she’ll spend her time are ongoing, the sources said.
Trump is expected to spend a majority of her time over the next four years not at the White House, but between New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, sources familiar with the thinking told CNN. However, they insisted she would still be present for major events and would have her own platform and priorities as first lady.
Sources say that Melania enjoys the life that she’s built in Florida, where she’s formed a close-knit circle of friends. These insiders believe she’ll continue to spend much of her time in the Sunshine State.
Other sources allege that Melania may spend more time at Trump Tower in New York City so that she can be closer to Barron. Indeed, she’s long been known to be a devoted mother to him.
“I could not say I’m an empty nester. I don’t feel that way,” Melania said in an interview last month.
Melania Refuses Jill Biden’s Invitation
After her husband emphatically won the election, one of Melania’s first official decisions was to refuse the traditional tea invitation from the outgoing First Lady Jill Biden. Instead, Donald went to the White House alone to meet with Joe Biden. During his visit, Jill handed him a handwritten letter of congratulations to give to Melania.
“Her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success,” Melania’s office said in a statement ahead of this meeting. “Former First lady Mrs. Trump will not be attending today’s meeting at the White House.”
Refusing Jill’s invitation was seen by many as Melania serving notice that this time around, she’s doing things her way.
“I’m not anxious because this time is different,” Melania recently said. “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.”
Few First Ladies have been treated worse than Melania has been over the years. In the end, she’s more than earned the right to have her second run as First Lady be on her terms.
Whether Melania is living in the White House or not, the American people can always count on her to represent us all with grace and dignity. That’s more than we can say for the likes of Jill Biden and Michelle Obama!
Key Takeaways:
- Sources say Melania may not live in the White House full-time.
- Melania may spend more time in Florida and New York City.
- Melania refused Jill Biden’s invitation to a traditional First Ladies meeting.
