Melania Trump revealed her plans for her second stint as First Lady, indicating that she will divide her time between the White House, New York City, and the Trump family's residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Speaking on Fox & Friends Monday, the former First Lady emphasized her commitment to family and her role as First Lady, balancing these responsibilities with her personal life.
"I will be in the White House," Melania said. "And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach. But my first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife, and once we are in on January 20, you serve the country."
This announcement comes amid months of speculation over Melania's plans for residency during her husband's presidency. It was rumored that she might spend more time in Florida and New York than in Washington, D.C., particularly as her 18-year-old son, Barron, attends New York University's Stern School of Business.
Melania confirmed that Barron would visit the White House frequently and is welcome to bring friends. "I always respect Barron's yes and no and what he likes to do, where he would like to be," she said. She underscored her belief in giving her son independence as he transitions into adulthood.
Melania, 54, noted that she feels more prepared for the move to the White House this time around compared to 2017, citing challenges during the initial transition due to a lack of cooperation from the outgoing administration. "The difference is I know where I will be going. I know the rooms, where we will be living, I know the process," she explained.
She added, "The first time was challenging. We didn't have much of the information. The previous administration did not share the information we needed before moving in. But this time I have everything. I have the plans, I could move in, I already packed, I already selected the furniture that needs to go in."
The transition, slated for January 20, will require meticulous planning as the Biden administration vacates the premises. Melania described the five-hour window as "a very different transition this time, second time around."
In terms of changes to the White House, Melania mentioned minimal adjustments to the decor. "I will make a little bit of changes, but not much," she said.
Melania's reemergence into the public eye follows a relatively low-profile role during Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. However, she became more active in its final months, promoting her memoir and her upcoming documentary, which reportedly garnered a $40 million licensing deal with Amazon.
The interview also touched on her plans to revive her "Be Best" initiative, an anti-bullying campaign she launched during her first term. Melania's efforts to carve out her own space within the administration appear to align with her broader focus on maintaining a balance between public service and her personal priorities.
