As Donald Trump readies for his second term as President-elect, the incoming First Lady, Melania Trump, is setting a new precedent. She plans to split her time between New York City, New York, Palm Beach, Florida, and Washington, D.C., a significant deviation from traditional First Lady roles.
Primarily residing at Trump Tower in New York City and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Mrs. Trump aims to stay close to her son Barron, a student at New York University. This arrangement is a first, with no prior First Lady opting to live separately from the White House during their husband’s presidency.
Sources close to the incoming First Lady suggest that “this time is different,” implying that she will take a more independent role. Over her husband’s first term, she has established a significant social circle and lifestyle in Florida, which she intends to sustain during the second term.
While some have speculated that this unconventional arrangement could indicate marital discord, there is no substantial evidence to back up these claims. Melania Trump has openly stated she is “not a nagging wife” and is satisfied with the dynamics of their relationship.
Recently, Mrs. Trump’s office declined an invitation from First Lady Jill Biden for tea at the White House, citing scheduling conflicts due to her book tour. Her office issued a statement that “several unnamed sources in the media continue to provide false, misleading, and inaccurate information” about Mrs. Trump.
Despite her unique living arrangements, Mrs. Trump is expected to maintain an official presence at major White House events and ceremonies. She has expressed an interest in reestablishing her “Be Best” platform and potentially expanding it, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Mrs. Trump was open to breaking traditional First Lady protocols during her first term. Notably, she delayed her move to the White House in 2017 to allow Barron to finish his school year in New York. She also often arrived at official events separately from her husband, including the 2018 State of the Union address.
As Mrs. Trump begins her second term, her team emphasizes her increased experience and understanding of the role. She plans to continue advising her husband during significant moments while maintaining her independence and preferred lifestyle.
