Speculation about Melania Trump’s living arrangements has been circulating for months, with reports suggesting that the former first lady may not reside in the White House during Donald Trump’s potential second term as U.S. president.
Discussions are ongoing about how Melania Trump, now 52, plans to navigate her high-profile but unelected role on the global stage.
Sources quoted by CNN indicate that the incoming first lady is likely to spend much of her time outside the White House, splitting her days between New York City and Palm Beach, Florida. Despite this, Melania is expected to maintain an active presence at major events and pursue her own initiatives.
In a break from tradition, Melania declined to meet outgoing First Lady Jill Biden during President-elect Trump’s recent visit to the White House. The symbolic meeting, typically held as part of the transition process, was skipped due to what her office described as a scheduling conflict related to her memoir.
“This Time is Different”: Melania’s Perspective
Melania Trump expressed confidence about her potential return to the White House. Speaking to Fox News in a recent interview while promoting her book, she said, “I’m not anxious because this time is different. I have much more experience and much more knowledge. I was in the White House before. When you go in, you know exactly what to expect.”
This perspective underscores her unique position as a returning first lady, potentially allowing her greater flexibility and independence compared to her initial tenure.
If Donald Trump resumes the presidency, Melania is expected to spend much of her time at Trump Tower in New York City, where her 18-year-old son, Barron Trump, is attending New York University. She is also anticipated to maintain her established lifestyle and circle of friends in Palm Beach, Florida, near the family’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Reports indicate that the president-elect is supportive of Melania’s choices, with no pushback from his team. According to CNN, her absence from the White House is unlikely to cause internal conflicts, as Donald Trump himself plans to divide his time between Mar-a-Lago and Washington.
Breaking Traditions as First Lady
If Melania’s reported plans come to fruition, she will stand apart from nearly all of her predecessors. Historically, first ladies have predominantly lived in the White House since its construction in 1800. Notable exceptions include Anna Symmes Harrison, whose husband passed away just a month into his presidency, and Bess Truman, who temporarily lived nearby during White House renovations.
