What’s different about Melania Trump’s second term as First Lady?
Melania Trump’s potential second term as First Lady is expected to differ from her first in several key ways:
More Confident and Experienced Approach
Melania has expressed feeling more prepared for her role this time, stating, “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”. This suggests she will approach her duties with greater confidence and understanding of the position.
Flexible Residency
Unlike her first term, Melania is unlikely to reside full-time in the White House:
- She is expected to divide her time primarily between Palm Beach, Florida, and New York City.
- This arrangement allows her to maintain her social connections in Florida and be close to her son Barron, who is attending New York University.
Selective Engagement
Melania plans to fulfill her First Lady responsibilities on her own terms:
- She will likely attend major events and ceremonial functions.
- There may be fewer traditional activities like “ladies’ tea” and limited interviews.
- She is expected to be more intentional about her public involvement.
Continued Advocacy
While specific details are limited, it’s anticipated that Melania will continue her advocacy work:
- She may revisit and expand her “Be Best” campaign, which focused on children’s welfare and issues like online bullying and the opioid crisis.
- She has expressed a commitment to using her platform for positive change.
Larger and More Qualified Team
Melania is likely to insist on a larger, “better,” and “more qualified” team for her office, having learned from her first term experience.
Balance of Roles
Melania aims to balance her duties as First Lady with her roles as a mother and wife:
- She plans to be a “hands-on mother to Barron,” prioritizing her parental role alongside her First Lady duties.
- An insider described her approach as being a “part-time first lady — while being a full-time mother and wife”.
These changes reflect Melania’s evolving approach to the role of First Lady, emphasizing her independence and personal priorities while still fulfilling the essential duties of the position.
