Melania Trump has announced she will adopt a unique approach to her role in the upcoming presidential term.
According to the New York Post, Following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, Melania Trump plans to fulfill her responsibilities as first lady on a part-time basis while primarily focusing on her role as a mother to her son, Barron Trump.
The First Lady expressed her intention to balance her duties with her personal commitments effectively. With Barron now 18 and attending New York University, Melania aims to ensure she can provide him with the necessary parental support by living part-time in New York, while also maintaining a presence in Florida and Washington, DC.
Melania disclosed that her participation as first lady would be selective, engaging primarily in significant events while stepping back from the traditional roles expected of someone in her position. An insider at Mar-a-Lago shared that Melania intends to shape the First Lady role to suit her lifestyle, focusing on larger-scale obligations and limiting less essential appearances.
This hands-on approach enables her to dedicate ample time to her family, particularly Barron, who is experiencing his formative university years in a unique environment due to his family’s prominence. “I could not say I’m an empty nester. I don’t feel that way,” Melania remarked. She respects Barron's decision to study and live in New York, affirming her commitment to support him.
A Mar-a-Lago insider described Melania's anticipated involvement: “Melania will be the first lady, but only on her terms. She’ll do the big events. But no ladies' tea and no — or very few — interviews."
Melania spoke about her return to the White House with more confidence this term, citing her prior experience as a foundation for her current tranquility. “This time is different,” she explained, emphasizing her deeper understanding and readiness to manage her dual roles effectively.
The Trump family’s primary residences in Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago have played substantial roles in this decision, allowing Melania to stay anchored in her family life while participating in national duties. The balance aims to provide Barron with a stable and supportive environment as he navigates his higher education journey.
Melania's approach to her second term contrasts sharply with her first, where the expectations and pressures were vastly different. Now equipped with firsthand experience, she feels more in control and less anxious about fulfilling the ceremonial parts of her role.
Beyond the official functions, Melania's focus remains firmly on Barron, who lives in Manhattan's Trump Tower, describing his college days as a rare experience for someone his age under unique circumstances: “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."
Melania sees the victory not just as a political win but as an affirmation of her family's broader approach to handling their unique situation under public scrutiny. A source close to the family noted, "She views winning as the main show, and the rest she’ll do as she pleases. She’s really in the driver’s seat as to her duties at the White House."
As Melania Trump embarks on her second term as the first lady, her adjusted role underscores a blend of public duty and private life, continuing her commitment to her family while fulfilling the obligations of her public role as she sees fit.
This dynamic marks a significant shift in the traditional expectations of a first lady, illustrating a modern interpretation tailored to personal and family needs.