Melania Trump's tenure as the First Lady of the United States is meticulously dissected in Katie Rogers' latest work, "American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden," presenting a narrative of a First Lady seemingly at odds with the traditional expectations of her role. Rogers portrays Melania as someone who "avoided being overscheduled, and at times avoided being scheduled at all," a stark departure from her predecessors who embraced the public and ceremonial aspects of the position with more enthusiasm.
The book delves into the dichotomy between Melania's public appearances, where she was seen donning "a full designer ensemble, dewy makeup, and a pristine blowout," and her private life, which was marked by extended periods of seclusion and comfort, often spent in her bathrobe. This contrast is emblematic of Melania's broader approach to her role, where public engagements were not the norm but rather exceptions that needed careful planning and persuasion from her staff, who were only "successful about half the time," according to Rogers.
Melania's preference for a more reclusive lifestyle became particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Rogers noting that she took "to wearing elegant robes at all hours" in 2020. This penchant for comfort and privacy was further echoed by Stephanie Grisham, who observed that Melania was "constantly wearing them, more and more," underscoring a significant shift towards informality within the confines of the White House.
The former First Lady's reluctance to embrace the limelight extended into the political sphere as well, as seen in her vague response to inquiries about her participation in Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Melania's "stay tuned" remark to reporters did little to clarify her stance, leading to public speculation and critique from figures like Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who derided the comment as evasive, urging the public not to "HOLD YOUR BREATH."
Wolkoff's criticism didn't stop at Melania's elusive campaign plans. She expressed a broader skepticism about Melania's potential return to the political stage, questioning the substance behind her public statements. "It's very easy to use words, and that's who Melania is," Wolkoff remarked, highlighting a perceived disconnect between Melania's rhetoric and her actions.
Melania's complex dynamics within the White House, particularly her interactions with Ivanka Trump, add another layer to her narrative as First Lady. Described by Rogers as engaged in a "power struggle" with her stepdaughter, Melania's efforts to delineate her domain from Ivanka's influence, whom she reportedly nicknamed "the princess," depict a First Lady caught in the web of familial and political intricacies.
Despite these challenges, Melania's impact on the East Wing and her contributions as First Lady were minimal, with her "Be Best" initiative and occasional public statements doing little to define a clear legacy. Her tenure was further marred by controversies, such as the "I Really Don't Care, Do U?" jacket incident, which left the public and pundits alike questioning her intentions and commitment to the role.
