Melania snubs tradition: Skips tea with Jill Biden

Since the 1950s, it has been customary in the United States for the sitting president and his wife to meet with the president-elect and his wife before the official inauguration of office. This tradition will not be upheld this time regarding a meeting between the current and future First Ladies.

According to American and British media, Melania Trump will not have the traditional tea with Jill Biden, the wife of the current U.S. President Joe Biden. On Wednesday, Donald Trump is expected to arrive at the Oval Office of the White House at the invitation of the head of state, although his wife will not be joining him.

CNN and the British newspaper "Daily Mail" provide the reports about Trump's wife's absence. According to the latter, the decision has already been made since the two women haven't spoken, even though Jill Biden reportedly sent an invitation to the president-elect's wife. The reason Melania Trump will not travel to Washington remains unknown. CNN suggests it may be linked to other commitments of the future First Lady, possibly due to her recently published memoirs.

It is worth noting that in 2020, Donald Trump and his wife completely ignored Biden and his wife, refraining from attending the White House meeting. The situation was tense then, as the outgoing U.S. president disagreed with the election results, which led to a crowd storming the Capitol.

There is media speculation about Melania Trump's role during her husband's possible second term. She is reportedly seeking greater independence, which might mean she will not live in Washington. "People" magazine claims that Trump's wife does not want to relocate to the U.S. capital.

She resides in New York, where her son, Barron Trump, attends the Stern School of Business. Melania Trump frequently travels to Florida, where Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's luxurious estate and golf course, is located. However, others assert these are merely rumours and that Melania Trump will reside in the White House.