Perhaps no First Lady turned the role on its head quite like Melania Trump, the 45th First Lady of the United States. She kept a very low public profile while really focusing on advocating for some very targeted societal issues. Her tenure was marked by a tiny staff and a commitment to privacy and anonymity. Just recently she witnessed the destruction of the East Wing office space that served as a backdrop to her official duties. This latest move illustrates her out-of-the-box thinking and maverick style to the role. It often leads to discussion of the future importance of the First Lady’s office.
While Melania Trump did not often occupy the spotlight, she still left her mark as an active public advocate. Her campaign, “Be Best,” addressed cyberbullying and the overall well-being of children. She was a tireless advocate, raising the alarm on many issues impacting young people. Next, she brought her message to the Hill, advocating for legislation that would help fight online exploitation.
“She called attention to an issue and legislation that was stalled, quite frankly, in the Senate and that was then passed.” – Anita McBride
The First Lady did do some notable things while in the advocacy role. During her first trip to Silicon Valley this summer, she consulted with tech leaders to discuss ways artificial intelligence can improve education in classrooms. The depth test Many criticized her initiatives for being shallow. They believed these initiatives lacked the public presence and notoriety of former First Ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt.
Critics pointed out that Melania Trump’s minimal presence and small staff suggested a disinterest in the traditional responsibilities associated with the role. Many advocates were disheartened by her decision to keep a quiet stance. Smithsonian Historian Katherine Jellison explained the contrast between Melania’s approach and that of previous first ladies.
“An effective first lady like an Eleanor Roosevelt can make a real difference, not only politically, but in society.” – Jellison
While Melania Trump figured out how she would serve, she declined to triple down on her predecessor’s passions for the public stage. Her tenure at the White House was brief, lasting under 14 days during Donald Trump’s first 108 days of his second term. This scant time further underscored her penchant for closed-door meetings over public discourse.
The recent demolition of this famous home of the arts, the East Wing, constitutes a very real legacy to Melania Trump’s time as First Lady. Traditionally, this space has functioned as a stage for civic engagement and vital official activity and events. Today, it’s been repurposed into the opulent $300 million American ballroom project. Critics are raising the alarm about this drastic change. They contend that it dilutes the historical legacy of the First Lady’s office and its unique ability to influence social change.
“It’s unfortunate to see the walls come down.” – Anita McBride
The East Wing also experienced some drastic aesthetic alterations. Nevertheless, advocates such as McBride are hopeful that the efforts made under Melania Trump’s leadership will have a long-lasting effect. The First Lady’s initiatives and advocacy may not have garnered as much attention as those of her predecessors, but they nonetheless contributed to vital discussions surrounding children’s issues and online safety.
Some commentators argue that the downsizing of Melania Trump’s office speaks volumes about how the role of First Lady is perceived within the political landscape. Instead, critics have suggested, her scant contributions could have gone unnoticed. Rather, they claim, the broader story communicates a greater contempt for the office in the first place.
“The destruction of the East Wing just shows how little the White House cares about the position of first lady.” – Sibley
Over the course of her own time in office, Melania Trump proved her own commitment to shaping her role to suit herself. She wasn’t a First Lady who jumped with both feet into the role like others have, but she hadn’t stopped fighting for the causes she cared about. What she’s demonstrated through her actions is that there’s no prescribed right way to execute such a role.