For the first time in modern White House history, a formal gift exchange between incoming and outgoing first ladies did not occur during the presidential transition, as Melania Trump arrived empty-handed to greet First Lady Jill Biden on January 20, 2025.
“Welcome home,” President Joe Biden said as the Trumps arrived at the White House for the traditional pre-inauguration meeting, a marked difference from 2021 when the Trumps opted not to participate in inaugural activities.
The absence of a gift contrasted with Mrs. Trump’s own White House arrival in 2017 when she presented then-First Lady Michelle Obama with a blue Tiffany & Co. box. That moment became memorable when Mrs. Obama appeared momentarily flustered by the unexpected gift, leading then-President Barack Obama to step in and take the package. “It was a lovely frame,” Mrs. Obama later revealed in a 2018 interview, providing context to a widely discussed moment of presidential transition.
The gift exchange has been one of several traditions marking presidential transitions since the mid-20th century. In December 2024, following this custom, Dr. Biden extended an invitation to Mrs. Trump for tea at the White House. When Mrs. Trump declined, Dr. Biden sent a private note offering assistance with the transition process, delivering it through President-elect Trump during their meeting at the Notre Dame reopening ceremony. The only interaction between the two women before the inauguration was during a brief exchange at former President Carter’s state funeral.
Mrs. Trump contrasted the transition process with her 2017 experience. She claimed the Obama administration had withheld information during her transition, creating challenges. In contrast, she noted that for the 2025 transition, she possessed all the necessary information and found the process distinctly different. Mrs. Trump also mentioned she had completed her packing and furniture selection, demonstrating her readiness for the transition.
Despite the absence of a gift exchange, both first ladies maintained the tradition of careful attention to inaugural fashion. Mrs. Trump selected a navy blue coat created by American designer Adam Lippes and a distinctive wide-brimmed hat featuring white trimming designed by American brand Eric Javits. Dr. Biden chose a tie-waist purple coat, embodying a sense of dignified transition. The two women’s fashion choices drew the attention of observers, noting the symbolic importance of their selections of American designers.
Following established protocol, the two couples shared coffee and tea in the White House residence before departing for the Capitol ceremony. “My message today is joy,” President Biden stated, adding “hope” to his inaugural themes. The couples’ joint departure for the Capitol demonstrated adherence to longstanding traditions of peaceful transition, even as some customs were modified.
Looking toward the future, Mrs. Trump’s office has indicated plans for a modified approach to the role of first lady during her husband’s potential second term. Her schedule may be divided between official duties in Washington, D.C., and time spent at residences in Florida and New York, representing a departure from traditional first lady protocols.
