Melania Trump seems to be a pretty private person — at least as private as a famous
former model and wife of one of the most prominent people in the world can be — so her very
public tenure in the White House hasn't always been easy.
While Melania has done her best to shy away from political drama during her four years
as First Lady, stirring up at least a little controversy was all but inevitable.
Remember the "I Really Don't Care" jacket scandal of 2018?
And who could forget the leaked tapes of a phone call with former friend Stephanie Winston
Wolkoff that revealed Melania's frustration for being criticized for not doing enough
about family separations while simultaneously working to decorate the White House for Christmas?
"I'm working like a — my ass off on that Christmas stuff."
"I know."
"That, you know, who gives a f--- about Christmas stuff?"
In her final days in office, the First Lady once more drew public ire, this time for her
reticence to speak up about the attack on the Capitol.
The Cut reports she was conducting a White House photoshoot as it went on, though she
did later post an open letter on the White House website that condemned the day's horrific
events.
On the lead up to Inauguration Day, Melania was being criticized for something seemingly
innocuous: her parting thank you notes to the White House staff.
It is a tradition for departing presidents and first ladies to write short thank you
notes to the household staff, particularly staffers with whom they've grown close.
The notes can even become "cherished keepsakes," a source in the White House told CNN.
But it appears Melania Trump was not particularly interested in adhering to protocol.
According to CNN, the 80 "butlers, cooks, housekeepers, ushers and maintenance workers,"
who "do not typically turn over with each administration," did not receive handwritten
cards from Melania.
Instead,
"Trump tasked a lower-level East Wing staffer with writing them 'in her voice,' and she
signed her name."
The move appears consistent with the first lady's behavior in recent weeks.
Though Melania posted a farewell address that called for, quote, "love over hatred," she
has largely refrained from commenting on recent White House happenings and has been physically
absent from the Trump family's public gatherings.
CNN reports that, according to those close to Melania, she is, quote, "checked out" and
"just wants to go home."
They added that she is, quote, "not sad to be leaving."
Melania has reportedly been overseeing the packing and shipping of her family's belongings
from the White House since early December.
So clearly, Melania has chosen to end her time as FLOTUS on her own terms.
In their final act, Melania and Donald Trump decided to skip a number of longtime White
House traditions.
The Trumps did not attend President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20th, for example,
instead flying to their post-presidency home of Mar-a-Lago in Florida hours before the
inaugural proceedings began.
Additionally, People reports Melania did not extend an invite to First Lady Jill Biden
for a customary "tea-and-tour of the White House," which includes a second and third
floor White House tour.
The Obamas gave such a tour to the Trumps four years ago.
Melania reportedly did not reach out to first lady Jill Biden at all throughout the transition.
Joe and Jill's daughter, Ashley Biden, said on the Today show,
"I don't think they're doing the traditional protocol.
Which is unfortunate, but I think we're all okay with it."
Melania may have had a non-traditional goodbye, but she made sure to go out in high-priced
fashion-model style.
As she boarded the plane to Mar-a-Lago, the soon-to-be former First Lady strutted in an
all-black outfit consisting of a posh black Chanel jacket, designer sunglasses, Christian
Louboutin heels, and a Hermes Birkin bag.
The purse alone is worth "upward of $50,000," according to the New York Post.
Melania's parting address on Inauguration Day was more subdued when compared to her
ritzy outfit, with the native of Slovenia opting for a simple message.
"Being your first lady was my greatest honor — thank you for your love and support.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
She added,
"God bless you all, God bless your families and God bless this beautiful nation."
So, when will we next hear from Melania?
That remains to be seen.
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