Jill Biden reveals she sent private note to Melania Trump after she broke major First Lady tradition

Jill Biden penned a note to Melania Trump as the latter prepares to return to the White House for her second term as First Lady.

Following last November’s presidential election, Donald Trump was elected for a second term as President of the United States and will soon be sworn in. Ahead of January 20, when Trump will officially assume office as the 47th president, current First Lady Jill Biden reached out to Melania Trump as part of a customary White House tradition. However, her invitation was reportedly declined.

Jill Biden will be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In an exit interview with the Washington Post, Jill Biden revealed that she had invited Melania for tea at the White House, a long-standing tradition between outgoing and incoming First Ladies during presidential transitions. Melania’s refusal prompted Jill to write her a note to check in. “I congratulated her and I offered help,” Jill said of her message, but she did not immediately receive a response. The two women later met at Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, where Jill confirmed that Melania thanked her ‘during pleasantries.’

Reflecting on her return to the White House, Melania hinted that her initial transition as First Lady in 2017 had not been smooth. “The first time was challenging. We didn’t have much of the information,” Melania told Fox & Friends, explaining that certain details had been withheld by the outgoing administration. “But this time, I have everything… it’s a very different transition the second time around.”

Melania Trump claimed ‘information was withheld’ from her and Donald Trump during their first presidential transition in 2017 (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Melania, who has often emphasized her independence, shared her perspective on her role as First Lady in a statement to Fox News: “Maybe some people see me as just a wife of the President, but I’m standing on my own two feet, independent. I have my own thoughts, I have my own ‘yes’ and ‘no.’”

Melania will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, as will Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, who ran against Trump in last year’s election. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, along with their spouses, are also expected to attend. However, reports indicate that former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be present at the ceremony.

The ceremonial transition of power underscores the evolving roles and relationships of the nation’s First Ladies, each navigating their own path amidst the broader political landscape.

Featured Image Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Drew Angerer/Getty Images