Melania won’t be a full-time First Lady if Trump wins. Here’s what this means

As the 2024 US Presidential elections draw close, Republican nominee Donald Trump has set his sights on another term in office, and the question of whether his wife Melania will continue to occupy the White House alongside him looms large.
A Page Six report citing a Trumpworld insider said Melania has “made a deal” with her 78-year-old husband that if he wins the presidency this time she will not be on 24 by-7 first lady duty.

What significance does the role of First Lady hold in the White House, and what reasons are keeping Melania away from full-time duties this time around? We delve into the details.

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What are the duties?

While not an elected position, the First Lady, who is the spouse of the President, is often the most famous woman in America and plays a crucial role in representing the nation.

Interestingly, while the US Constitution states the duties of a President, no founding document exists that explicitly outlines the duties of the First Lady. Instead, generations of women have shaped the modern Office of the First Lady and defined the roles and responsibilities of the president’s spouse.

Here are some key duties and responsibilities that are traditionally associated with the role.

Public advocacy and initiatives: First ladies often champion causes and initiatives that reflect their interests and address national issues. For example, according to the George W Bush Library, Michelle Obama launched the “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat childhood obesity, while Laura Bush focused on education and literacy with initiatives like “Ready to Read, Ready to Learn.”

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Cultural and diplomatic ambassadors:
First Ladies frequently engage in diplomatic efforts and cultural exchanges both domestically and internationally. Jacqueline or ‘Jackie’ Kennedy, wife of President John F Kennedy, made efforts to preserve the White House historical artifacts and her cultural diplomacy highlighted this role.

Hosting and protocol: Providing a platform for social and cultural events, First Ladies often host official events and receptions at the White House. These events have been an integral part of diplomatic responsibility for First Ladies. Highlighting the importance Nancy Reagan, wife of President Ronald Reagan, hosted almost eighty White House dinners during his eight-year tenure which helped strengthen relations between America and other nations, especially with the Soviet Union amid the Cold War.

Fashion and cultural trends:
First Ladies’ fashion choices and cultural influence can shape public perceptions and trends. After Frances Folsom Cleveland married President Cleveland in June 1886, women imitated her hairstyle and advertisers used her image to sell products. Jacqueline Kennedy also had an impeccable fashion sense which set a precedent for future First Ladies.

Why is Melania not ready this time?

According to Page Six, Melania is skeptical about her assuming the full-time job of First Lady as speculations arise about their son, Barron Trump, attending New York University in the fall.

And Melania who is a “hands-on mother” is planning to spend part of every month, probably every week, in New York City with their 18-year-old son, the report added.

It also mentioned that if Trump becomes President again, Barron would need additional adjustment to college life and Melania Trump wants to help him navigate in the new life.

“Barron has never been completely on his own before — and with the added stress of him being both a freshman in college and potentially the son of a president in a predominantly Democratic city, [Melania] wants to be close…The added attention he’ll get if his father is president worries Melania who is also concerned about reaction at his school over Barron’s ever-present Secret Service [detail],” an insider source revealed.

The source familiar with the Trump family told Page Six, “Melania is an extremely protective mother and even pushed back on the idea that Barron would serve as a Republican delegate to the [Republican National Convention] from Florida.”

His siblings Don Jr, Eric, and Tiffany Trump are all acting as delegates The NY Post had earlier reported.

As for Melania, “She feels safe in NYC and in Trump Tower herself, and it’s Barron’s home, and that’s why she wants him to go to school in New York City,” the source said.

Her husband Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to the arrangement.

“Donald is close to Barron but isn’t going to tossing footballs with him when he’s the president and the head of the free world. Donald has already agreed to this, and feels that mothers and parents across the country will understand Melania’s devotion to their son,” the source added.

What did Melania achieve as First Lady?

As her White Houe legacy, Melania Trump carved out an initiative called ‘BE BEST’ which is one of her tenure’s highlights.

Launched in 2018, the initiative focused on the well-being of children. The campaign had three main pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse. During her tenure, Melania visited various schools, hospitals, and care centers to promote the campaign and raise awareness about these issues.

According to White House archives, the Former First Lady also travelled to various National Parks highlighting the importance of natural resources, history, wildlife, and the great outdoors to young people. She also spent time working with groups such as the Red Cross and FEMA to ensure children are educated and prepared for natural disasters.

With input from agencies