Will she or won’t she? Uncertainty over Melania Trump’s tea meeting with Jill Biden.
The Bidens have invited the Trumps to visit the White House, but it appears one seat may be vacant when the two families gather.
President-elect Donald Trump has accepted Joe Biden’s invitation. However, it remains uncertain whether former First Lady Melania Trump will join Jill Biden for tea.
Following Trump’s clear victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, the outgoing President and First Lady extended an invitation to the former first couple to come to the White House.
“President Biden reiterated his commitment to a smooth transition and stressed the importance of uniting the nation,” stated the White House regarding the phone conversation held on Wednesday.
While the president-elect confirmed his attendance through his spokesperson and expressed eagerness for the meeting, Melania Trump has remained silent.
Numerous news sources have indicated that Melania may opt out of this tradition, repeating her absence from such gatherings.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed on Saturday that the meeting between “President Biden and President-elect Trump” is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Oval Office.
However, there has been no update from the First Lady or her team.
Traditionally, it has been customary for the First Lady to invite her successor for tea. In 2016, Michelle Obama hosted Melania Trump in the Yellow Oval Room for “a tea and a tour.”
After Joe Biden’s 2020 election win, the Trumps did not host the Bidens at the White House, nor did they attend Biden’s inauguration following the January 6 Capitol attack and Trump’s unfounded claims about the election being stolen.
The Trump campaign did not respond when inquired whether Melania will join her husband in the White House on Wednesday.
The office of the First Lady has also remained uncommunicative.
“The Bidens have conveyed their congratulations and a joint invitation to the Trumps to meet at the White House,” one spokesperson confirmed.