Melania Trump approached her role as First Lady in a manner that deviated from the customary path. Instead of immediately relocating to the White House after her husband’s inauguration, she made it her official home five months later. While critics speculated that she was avoiding the responsibilities of being First Lady, the Trumps clarified that the decision was made to ensure Barron, their son, could complete his fifth-grade education in New York.
Melania’s choice showcased her commitment to her son’s well-being and education, demonstrating her role as a dedicated and nurturing mother. Her noble approach to prioritizing family needs garnered both support and scrutiny, showcasing the complexities of her position as First Lady.
The Muse
During her time as First Lady, Melania Trump was assigned the United States Secret Service code name "Muse." While these code names are not strictly essential due to the widespread use of encrypted electronic communications, they adhere to a longstanding tradition. Traditionally, code names for family members in the presidential security detail begin with the same letter.
Other First Ladies had their own unique code names, such as Renaissance for Michelle Obama, Tempo for Laura Bush, and Evergreen for Hillary Clinton. These code names not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of tradition and intrigue to the security measures surrounding the First Family.
A Tall Story
Melania Trump stands out as one of the tallest First Ladies in American history. Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 11 inches, she shares this distinction with notable predecessors such as Michelle Obama and Eleanor Roosevelt. While her height may be a striking feature, Melania possesses other remarkable qualities that set her apart. She holds the distinction of being the first naturalized U.S. citizen to become First Lady, highlighting the diverse backgrounds that shape the fabric of American society.
Additionally, her unique birth in a communist country, making her the only First Lady to have experienced life under such a political system, adds a distinctive element to her personal and historical narrative and everything she represents.
Speakeasy
One aspect that set Melania apart from her predecessors as First Lady was that English was not her first language. She became the first First Lady who did not have English as her native tongue. While one might assume her multilingual abilities would come in handy at White House functions, rumors circulated that Melania's infrequent public speeches were attributed to her thick accent.
Despite this challenge, Melania showcased her language skills during diplomatic engagements and interactions with foreign leaders, demonstrating her ability to navigate linguistic barriers with grace and poise. Her unique linguistic background added an additional layer of diversity to the role of First Lady and highlighted the richness of America's multicultural fabric.
Wife #3
Melania Trump holds the unique distinction of being the only First Lady to be the third wife of a U.S. president. Prior to her, Donald Trump was married to Ivana Trump, a Czech native, who became an integral part of his real estate empire. The couple swiftly rose to prominence in New York society. However, in the 1990s, rumors began to circulate that Donald was engaged in an extramarital affair with model Marla Maples, originally from Georgia.
The speculation proved true, and Ivana filed for divorce in 1990, ultimately receiving a substantial $20 million settlement. Melania's entrance into Donald's life marked a new chapter, as she became his third wife and assumed the role of First Lady with her own unique background and experiences.