WASHINGTON – Melania Trump moved into the White House during her husband’s presidency five months after he took office. Now, for his second term starting on January 20, she is making plans to be there right from the beginning.

In a recent conversation on Fox & Friends, she clarified that she would take up residence in the White House as soon as her husband begins his second term, despite speculation that she might choose to stay in New York City or Palm Beach, Florida, where their Mar-a-Lago estate is located.

“I will be in the White House,” she stated. “And, you know, when I need to be in New York, I’ll be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I’ll be in Palm Beach. But my main focus is to be a mother, a first lady, and a wife. Once we’re settled in on January 20, my duty is to serve the country.”

Choosing to avoid the White House would be a significant break from traditions followed by previous first ladies, who moved their families into the presidential residence, even if they later spent considerable time away during their husbands’ presidencies.

Experts on the role of first ladies note that the responsibilities have transformed over the years. In a time where many Americans are working from home, it is not necessary for the first lady to always be located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to fulfill her role.

“Let’s remember, she’s a unique first lady because she has experience,” explained Anita McBride, who was the chief of staff for former First Lady Laura Bush.

“Melania Trump understands what it means to live and work in the White House, and she knows what to expect,” McBride added. “It’s crucial to realize that this role is defined by each individual who assumes it.”

Jill Biden, the outgoing first lady, changed the expectations of the role by being the first spouse to maintain a job outside the White House. As a teacher before her husband became president, she continued teaching at Northern Virginia Community College throughout her time as first lady.

Melania Trump, who enjoyed a successful modeling career before marrying Trump in 2005, is also charting her own course. She will soon be featured in a new documentary, which has been purchased by Amazon Prime Video for both streaming and theatrical release later this year. Melania is credited as an executive producer for this project, suggesting she will benefit financially from the $40 million licensing deal with Amazon.

During Donald Trump’s first term, Melania officially moved into the White House in June 2021, five months after he took office. She had initially stayed in New York to allow her teenage son, Barron, to complete his school year there.

Now 18, Barron is attending New York University’s Stern School of Business, giving Melania more flexibility to pursue her interests.

However, during her time in the White House, she sometimes appeared to be a hesitant first lady, often reacting to criticism and the intense scrutiny that comes with the role. Notably, she wore a jacket with the phrase “I really don’t care, do you?” on a visit to a migrant children’s detention center in 2018, which she later clarified was meant for “the people and the left-wing media who are criticizing me.”

“It wasn’t her ambition to be the first lady,” noted Andrew Och, an author who explored the lives of America’s first ladies for a C-SPAN series. “She had a perfectly fine life beforehand. Moving to Washington and taking on duties suggests she realized the public’s expectations.”

In her interview with Fox & Friends, Melania expressed that she feels more prepared for the upcoming role.

“I believe I was always myself previously,” she said. “I just think that people perhaps didn’t accept me as they do now. I also didn’t receive much support then. While some view me merely as the president’s wife, I am independent and have my own opinions. I don’t always align with my husband’s views, and that’s perfectly fine.”

Melania aims to expand her “Be Best” initiative, which she launched during her husband’s first term. This campaign aimed at raising awareness on significant issues facing the youth, particularly focusing on cyberbullying.

The transition team for Donald Trump has not commented regarding Melania Trump’s planned time in Washington.

A position with social and political power yet undefined responsibilities

Historically, first ladies have wielded impactful social and political influence, even if the role lacks specified duties within the Constitution. In the early days of the nation, the role primarily involved playing the hostess, and it was not always assumed by a presidential spouse.

James Buchanan, the first president who remained single in office, appointed his niece Harriet Lane to act as White House hostess from 1857 to 1861. Lane was highly regarded for her capabilities in this role.

“She was one of the most accomplished women to have held that position,” Och remarked. “She donated her art collection, forming part of the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian. She initiated a children’s department at Johns Hopkins University, which is today one of the leading medical centers in the U.S. She was a talented and educated hostess who entertained guests and was well-liked in Washington, D.C.”

Looking back further, Thomas Jefferson, who was a widower when he took office in 1801, relied on his daughter Patsy Jefferson Randolph and future first lady Dolley Madison for help with social functions. Andrew Jackson, also a widower, appointed his niece Emily Donelson to oversee social duties when he took office in 1829.

Some first ladies chose to avoid the White House as much as possible after becoming residents there.

For example, Jacqueline Kennedy often withdrew from the White House, preferring to travel abroad or spend weekends in Virginia, particularly because of her resentment towards media scrutiny during John F. Kennedy’s presidency from 1961 to 1963.

Bess Truman, the spouse of Harry Truman, disliked the formalities associated with the White House and preferred the relaxed environment of their home in Independence, Missouri, returning there frequently to be with her mother.

“That was her favorite place,” noted Katherine Jellison, a professor at Ohio University and a specialist on first ladies. “Though living in the White House, she often chose to return home and engage in card games with friends.”

Meanwhile, their daughter, Margaret Truman, an aspiring singer, would take her place in social events when Bess was absent.

After Donald Trump’s first term, Melania Trump largely stayed out of the public eye. During the previous presidential campaign, she made minimal public appearances but attended pivotal events such as the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York just a week before the election.

As first lady, she will have a small East Wing staff to assist with the responsibilities of her office, allowing her the flexibility to choose when to be present in Washington.

“I believe she will make appearances when necessary,” Och noted, “and be there when it truly matters.”

Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS.