Melania Trump has spent limited time at the White House since Donald Trump returned to the presidency on January 20, 2025. This has led President Trump to manage tasks typically handled by the First Lady.
Reports indicate the First Lady has been at the White House for a brief period since the start of the new term. She has primarily stayed at Trump Tower in Manhattan or the Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Duties such as greeting tour groups in the East Wing and overseeing aspects of the Rose Garden are reportedly being handled by the President in her absence. These tasks have historically fallen under the purview of the First Lady.
During President Trump's first term, Melania Trump delayed moving to the White House to allow their son, Barron Trump, then 10 years old, to finish the school year in New York. Barron is now 19 and attending New York University.
Despite her limited presence, the First Lady has made a few public appearances this term. These include speaking at the International Women of Courage Awards, attending Pope Francis' funeral, and lobbying lawmakers for the Take It Down Act.
The First Lady is scheduled to appear at two events on May 8, 2025. She is set to host an unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service stamp honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush and a Celebration of Military Mothers.
Melania Trump, born in Slovenia, is the only First Lady to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.
In a January interview, Melania Trump addressed her plans for residency during her husband's term. "I will be in the White House," she said, adding that she would also be in Florida when needed. "My first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife."
