Melania Trump‘s road to the White House
With Donald Trump on his way to the White House, there are few who wonder if the First Lady will follow him, at least on a permanent basis.
PEOPLE spoke to several sources close to Melania in an attempt to find out if Mrs. Trump will want to stay in Washington again.
Although people expect her to move into the White House and fulfill the appropriate duties, she herself is not so eager.
“She will have her own private apartment there, and she has her house in New York and her house at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach,” says the source. “He’s going to spend time in all these places.” When asked if she is considering the White House as her primary residence, however, the source says, “Not likely.”
With Barron Trump, 18, currently in his first year at New York University, Melania is reportedly hoping to spend more time in the city with the only child she shares with Donald.
“As much as Melania loves Mar-a-Lago and her life in Palm Beach, she will be spending more time in New York with her son, who is more important to her than anything else,” the source tells The Months post.
“He’s definitely not going back to Washington to live,” another source claims to PEOPLE. “He’ll be stuck between Florida and New York.”
“Melania will do what she has to do, but she will always have her own life away from politics,” he said: “She grits her teeth, turns her head and does what she has to do.
However, there are also different opinions. A person close to her says the 54-year-old will do everything necessary for her role as first lady – for a second time.
“Melania is a unique first lady and perfect for the times we live in,” she tells PEOPLE. “She has her own views and some of them are different from her husband’s. But it’s no surprise to anyone who knows Donald, he’s not that far off on some issues.”
What does Melania hate?
Melania hates politics and tries to stay out of it as much as possible, says the source.
Former First Lady Melania Trump met her future husband in 1998 at a party during New York Fashion Week.
“It was very nice and … we had a great connection,” Melania told the late Barbara Walters in a 2015 interview on ABC News’ “20/20.” “We had great chemistry the first time,” said the Slovenian supermodel, who married Trump seven years after they first met. The wedding took place in 2005 at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s beach estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Together, the couple had a son, Barron Trump, in 2006. The Trumps raised Barron in New York and Palm Beach, where they have lived since leaving the White House in 2021.
When she became first lady in 2017, Melania Trump didn’t move into the White House for several months so 10-year-old Barron could finish the school year.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst
Time.news Editor: Welcome to the show! Today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up about Melania Trump and her potential role as First Lady once again. Joining us is political analyst, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, who specializes in the dynamics of First Ladies in the White House. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mitchell.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing topic.
Editor: So, Melania Trump is back in the spotlight with her husband heading toward the White House again. According to various sources, it seems she may not be keen on making a permanent move to Washington. What are your thoughts on that?
Dr. Mitchell: It’s quite interesting. I’ve followed Melania’s trajectory, and she’s always valued her independence and personal space. The reports indicating she prefers her residences in New York and Mar-a-Lago really show that she prioritizes her comfort and the life she’s built. The idea of having her own apartment in the White House is significant, but it suggests a reluctance to fully immerse herself in the role of First Lady.
Editor: Exactly. The source mentioned that she would rather spend more time in New York, especially with Barron now attending NYU. How do you think this shift in focus might affect the public’s perception of her as First Lady?
Dr. Mitchell: That’s a crucial point. Melania’s decision to prioritize her son’s needs can draw sympathy and create a more relatable image. However, it could also be perceived as her distancing herself from the traditional expectations of a First Lady. In past administrations, First Ladies heavily engaged in public duties, so this could be a departure from that norm. It may be met with mixed reactions from the public and the media.
Editor: You mentioned the role of First Ladies in engaging with public duties. Do you think Melania’s approach will set a new precedent for how a First Lady can balance personal and public life?
Dr. Mitchell: It’s very possible. If Melania maintains a lower profile while focusing on her family, it could influence future First Ladies to adopt a more individualized approach. They might feel empowered to prioritize their own family dynamics and personal spaces over the traditional public-facing role. However, it all also depends on how active her husband is in politics and how much he requires her support.
Editor: Speaking of support, reports indicate that Melania values her lifestyle in Palm Beach and may spend considerable time there. Do you believe this could create a perception of privilege or detachment from the current political climate?
Dr. Mitchell: Definitely. If she is frequently seen in Palm Beach while her husband is engaged in political affairs in Washington, it could lead to criticisms of elitism or disconnection from the issues affecting everyday Americans. However, if her decisions center around family, many may empathize with her priorities. It’s a complex balancing act, and the media’s portrayal will be pivotal.
Editor: how do you perceive Melania Trump’s role evolving if she indeed takes a more backseat approach during this new chapter?
Dr. Mitchell: I think her role as First Lady could become more symbolic, representing a modern interpretation of the position. Rather than adhering strictly to previously defined expectations, she might carve out a unique identity that reflects both her personal values and her family’s needs. It’ll be intriguing to watch how this develops and what it means for the future of the First Lady role in the White House.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell. It’s always a pleasure to gain insights from you. We look forward to seeing how Melania Trump’s story unfolds in the coming years!
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to it as well.