As speculation mounts about a possible second term for former President Donald Trump, questions are arising about whether former First Lady Melania Trump will move back to the White House full-time.
Melania’s Reluctance to Return
According to several experts on Melania Trump who spoke with Axios, the prospect of her living in Washington, DC, full-time again is ‘doubtful’. Instead, she would likely split her time between Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York City, making appearances at the White House only for state dinners and other official events.
Kate Anderson Brower, who has authored multiple books on first ladies and the White House, commented, “Melania clearly hated being in Washington and she’s distancing herself even more from her husband and from the Washington social political scene.”
Barron Trump’s Education and Family Dynamics
Adding to the complexity is the couple’s son, Barron Trump, who reportedly has New York University at the top of his list of colleges to attend this fall. This educational commitment could further anchor Melania in New York, rather than Washington, DC.
Mary Jordan, author of The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump, noted, “What makes her stand out in history from any other first lady is that her view is unelected, not paid. Melania does what Melania wants.”
Fashion Evolution and Public Perception
Melania’s aversion to residing in the US capital was evident in her fashion choices during her husband’s four years in office. Initially donning feminine and flowy outfits, she later transitioned to attire with sharp shoulders, which CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett described as “almost like armor.
Potential Re-launch of Be Best Campaign
Even if Melania does not live at the White House permanently, she is expected to re-launch her Be Best campaign, which focuses on children’s well-being. Melania is also anticipated to hire ‘more qualified’ and ‘better’ staff members for herself, leveraging her previous experience to be more vocal and demanding about the first lady’s office.
Mary Jordan added, “Now having seen how this works, she would just be wiser and she would be more vocal and more demanding about what the first lady’s office should get.”
Absence from Campaign Trail
With less than five months until the November election, Melania has not joined her husband on the campaign trail. She was notably absent during Trump’s historic hush money trial in Manhattan criminal court and was last seen leaving Trump Tower with Barron and ‘piles of luggage’.
Conclusion
Melania Trump’s potential reluctance to return to the White House full-time if Donald Trump wins a second term adds an intriguing dynamic to the 2024 presidential race. Her unique position and approach as a former first lady, coupled with her personal preferences and family commitments, could significantly influence her role in any future administration. As the election approaches, the public and political analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these factors unfold.
