Sources close to Melania Trump have indicated that she may break with tradition during her husband Donald Trump’s second term as president, opting not to live full-time in the White House.
A First Lady with a unique approach
Since her initial term as First Lady, Melania Trump has charted an unconventional course compared to her predecessors, who used the role to champion social causes and maintain a prominent public presence alongside their husbands.
CNN reports that Melania Trump, 54, plans to split her time between New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, and Washington, D.C., instead of residing exclusively at the White House. She is expected to be present in Washington for ceremonial events and key diplomatic functions but will primarily remain near her family and established social circles in Florida.
Prioritizing family
During her husband’s first term, Melania delayed her move to the White House to allow their son Barron, then 10 years old, to finish his school year in New York. Now, Barron is 18 and attending New York University. Melania has expressed a desire to remain close to him during his college years.
“It was his decision to come here, that he wants to be in New York, study in New York, and live in his home, and I respect that,” Melania told Fox News. “He’s enjoying his college days. I hope he will have a great experience because his life is very different than any other 18- or 19-year-old child.”
A different kind of transition
As President-elect Trump met with outgoing President Joe Biden on Wednesday to discuss the transition of power, Melania did not meet with First Lady Jill Biden, citing a scheduling conflict. This break from tradition underscores her lower-profile approach to the role.
Reflecting on her return to the position, Melania Trump said:
“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.”
Staying connected to personal projects
Melania’s reluctance to engage in traditional First Lady duties has been a consistent theme. During the 2024 campaign, she made limited public appearances and focused instead on her endeavors. Insiders suggest her decision to divide her time between locations reflects her ongoing preference for privacy and independence.
While critics may see her choice as unconventional, it aligns with the precedent she set during Trump’s first term, where she maintained a more subdued public role compared to figures like Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
As the Trump family prepares for another four years in the White House, Melania’s unique approach to the role of First Lady is expected to continue shaping public expectations.
