Melania Trump is set to redefine her role as the first lady in her husband's return to the presidency.
With the inauguration date set for January 20, 2025, Melania has revealed plans to not only continue her previous initiatives but also assert a more independent stance in her second term, People reported.
During an interview on Fox News with Ainsley Earhardt, which was broadcast on "Fox & Friends" last Monday, Melania discussed her experiences and outlook for the upcoming years. The first lady emphasized her independence, saying she maintains her viewpoints and is not afraid to express disagreement with President Donald Trump.
Melania Trump was quite candid about her relationship dynamics, noting that while she does try to advise her husband, he doesn't always take her counsel, which she accepts as part of their interaction. “Sometimes he listens, sometimes he doesn’t. And that’s okay.”
Melania Trump further detailed, "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."
The upcoming term appears to be a significant one for Melania, as she plans to expand her "Be Best" initiative, focusing on the well-being of children. Her commitment extends beyond personal and political boundaries, emphasizing her multifaceted role as mother, wife, and first lady.
The logistical details of Melania's role during this term include residing at different locations depending on familial and official responsibilities. “And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I'll be in Palm Beach. But my first priority is to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife."), she stated, confirming that her primary focus remains on her family and public responsibilities.
The first lady's popularity is acknowledged by President Trump, who praised her low-profile yet impactful presence in the political landscape: "She's very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she's not out there in your face all the time for many reasons. Many political people have that, you know. But she's, she's really, they really like her. They really love her. Actually, in many ways, when I make speeches, we love our first lady. They have signs, 'We love our first lady.' No, she'll be — she'll be active, when she needs to be, when she needs to be."
Aside from her focus on initiatives and personal independence, Melania also addressed public perceptions and misconceptions about her role, sometimes feeling overshadowed as merely "the wife of the president."
The couple voted in the Florida primary election at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, Florida. This action began their re-establishment into the White House, following an election night event on November 6, 2024, at the Palm Beach Convention Center, where Donald Trump secured a second presidential term. Additionally, Time named him the 2024 Person of the Year.
Melania Trump plans to adopt a more visible role in her initiatives during this term while maintaining a refreshingly candid approach. She intends to balance personal priorities with professional duties, setting a novel precedent for the first lady’s role in modern American politics.
