Melania Trump Plans to Take on Active Role in Second White House Term
In a recent interview aired on Monday, Melania Trump, the former first lady, announced her intentions to live and work full-time in the White House during her husband Donald J. Trump’s anticipated second term as President. This decision addresses ongoing speculation regarding her presence in Washington, D.C. after years spent largely out of the public eye following Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election.
Speaking to Fox News’ "Fox and Friends," Mrs. Trump expressed her commitment to being an active first lady, stating that while she will maintain her ties to her home in New York and the Trump family’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, her primary focus will be her roles as a wife, mother, and first lady. “When I need to be in New York, I will be in New York,” she affirmed. “When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach. But my first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
Elaborating on her prospective role in the new administration, Melania Trump indicated that she plans to continue her “Be Best” initiative, which focuses on issues related to youth mental health and responsible social media use. She emphasized her goal to assemble a team for her office composed of individuals without their own agendas, further showcasing her intent to maintain an independent and focused presence in the White House.
Reflecting on her experience during her first term as first lady, Mrs. Trump mentioned the transition to the White House in 2017, during which she initially chose to remain in New York for several months. This time, however, her move will be systematic and well-organized. “This time I have everything,” she noted. “I have the plans. I could move in. I already packed. I already selected the, you know, furniture that needs to go in.”
The interview serves as a platform for Melania Trump to reestablish herself in the public eye, an effort that has gained momentum following her relative absence from the spotlight after her husband’s electoral defeat three years ago. She has been active in promoting her upcoming memoir titled “Melania,” which is set to be published soon. In addition to the book, Amazon has recently announced a documentary about her life that began filming in December and is expected to be released in theaters and on the streaming service later this year. Melania Trump will take on the role of executive producer for this project, further highlighting her desire to share her story and experiences with a broader audience.
During the interview, she shared her perspective on public perception, stating, “I just feel that people didn’t accept me maybe. They didn’t understand me the way maybe they do now. And I didn’t have much support.” This sentiment underscores her desire to redefine how she is viewed beyond the traditional role of a first lady, as she declared her independence and individuality. “Some people may have seen me as just a wife of the president,” she said. “But I’m standing on my own two feet, independent. I have my own thoughts. I have my own yes and no. I don’t always agree with what my husband is saying or doing. And that’s OK.”
When asked about the current first family, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Melania Trump seemed to sidestep the topic of their interactions, focusing instead on the logistics of the transition that lies ahead. She acknowledged the challenges of coordinating the move, remarking, “They’re still living there, and they will be out on January 20. So, everything needs to be planned to the minute.” The short timeframe allotted for the transition – just five hours – emphasizes the meticulous planning required to facilitate the change in administration.
As Melania Trump prepares for her return to Washington, her words suggest a renewed commitment to public engagement, reflecting her understanding of the demands and responsibilities that come with being the first lady. With her stated goals and initiatives, she appears poised to carve out a significant and unique role in the next chapter of her husband’s presidency, determined to balance personal responsibilities with her public duties.