Melania Trump will not live in the White House full time during Donald Trump’s second term as president, according to CNN sources.
The First Lady has a high-profile role in American politics, with Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton, Nancy Reagan and Jackie Kennedy using the platform to campaign for causes close to their heart whilst also performing an important function at the side of their husband.
But as Trump has redefined the expectations of a US president, Melania has often done the same as First Lady and her second term looks set to see her break with tradition even further.
As her husband met with incumbent president Joe Biden on Wednesday to discuss a transition plan, Melania did not meet with Jill Biden as is customary, with her team indicating a scheduling error as to blame.
Speaking recently to Fox News, Melania said of her second stint as First Lady: “I’m not anxious because this time is different. 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.”
Melania is expected to spend the majority of her time between New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, although it is likely that she will be in Washington for high-profile occasions such as the visiting of foreign dignitaries and their wives.
Sources close to her told CNN she has built up a close circle of friends in Florida, prompting her decision to continue to spend time there.
Melania delayed moving to Washington in 2017 to allow their son Barron, then aged 10 to complete school.
Now aged 18, Barron is a student at New York University, with his mother expected to spend a considerable amount of time working in Trump Tower to be near to him.
Speaking of her son’s decision to attend the university, Melania told Fox: “I could not say I’m an empty nester. I don’t feel that way.
“It was his decision to come here, that he wants to be in New York, study in New York, and live in his home and I respect that. … He’s enjoying his college days. I hope he will have a great experience because his life is very different than any other 18-, 19-year-old child.”
Whilst it is unprecedented for a First Lady not to live in the White House full time, it should come as little surprise given her low-profile and focus on personal projects throughout her husband’s first term in office.
Unlike many First Ladies, she has been notably absent from the campaign trail, appearing at only a handful of events.
