Melania Trump embraces autonomy in second First Lady term
The American news network CNN reported, citing numerous sources, that Melania Trump will behave differently during her second tenure as First Lady compared to her previous term. It is unlikely, among other things, that she will move to Washington permanently.
14 November 2024 09:39
Even before her husband assumes the presidency, the wife of President-elect Donald Trump has already shown that she does not intend to adhere to existing protocols meekly. According to CNN, this independence is marked by Melania Trump's absence from the meeting on Wednesday with the current First Lady of the USA, Jill Biden.
The network comments that Melania, who explained her absence as a scheduling conflict related to duties surrounding her book publication, will demonstrate autonomy. "This event signals that Melania Trump, who spent the first four years redefining her role, will have even greater independence the second time around," CNN assesses.
Melania Trump as first lady for the second time. She will be independent
"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," said Melania Trump in an interview with Fox News following her husband's victory over Kamala Harris.
Most likely, Melania will spend much of this term not in the White House but between New York and Palm Beach, Florida. Previously, Donald Trump also spent winter weekends at Mar-a-Lago and summers at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. It will presumably be similar this time as well.
Also, after the 2016 elections, Melania Trump delayed her move to Washington, deciding to move to the White House only a few months after the inauguration. She waited until their son Barron, who was 10 years old, finished the school year.
Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House correspondent who covered Melania Trump's first term and author of the book Free, Melania, commented that the First Lady's ignoring of the rules should not be surprising to those who have been following her for a long time. Her absence in the campaign indicates her plans.
She accompanied her husband only when he announced his run for re-election. She also graced him with her presence at the October rally at Madison Square Garden and on election night in West Palm Beach. CNN commented that Melania prefers not to engage publicly.
Donald and Melania generally spend little time together. There were occasions when they did not speak to each other for several days, even if both were staying at Trump Tower.
Melania allegedly knew little about her husband's actions and business dealings. Trump was not particularly engaged as a father in raising his four older children and showed even less interest in the fifth, Barron, his son with Melania. He adhered to the principle that each partner should care for their matters.
