In a rare, candid interview with Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt which aired on January 13, the incoming First Lady Melania Trump gave a rare glimpse into her plans for the next four years – addressing her living arrangements and what her priorities would be as the first lady during Donald Trump’s second term.
Emphasizing on her role as a mother, the First Lady, and a wife, Melania, 54, told Earhardt on Fox & Friends, that she would be hustling between the roles and plans to divide her time between multiple residences.
For the first time, Melania directly commented on whether she would be moving into the White House full-time during Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency. So far claims and concerns have doubted that Melania would want to live full-time in the White House when Donald assumes the presidency.
The former first lady has now made it clear that while she will spend significant time at the White House, she won’t be there exclusively. Instead, she plans to split her time between Washington D.C., New York City, and Palm Beach, Florida, due to her varied responsibilities.
“I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach,” she told Earhardt. “My first priority is to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
Family Comes First for Melania
Melania has always placed her family at the center of her life, and she made it clear that her priorities remain unchanged as she prepares for her role as first lady once again.
Her statement reflects a desire for balance, keeping her family life intact while fulfilling her duties as first lady.
When asked about her son, Barron Trump, and whether he would be living with her in the White House, Melania confirmed that while he has opted to stay in New York, he would always have a room at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, allowing him to visit as he pleases.
Barron, 18, moved to New York City last year to attend New York University’s Stern School of Business, opting to stay in the family’s Trump Tower residence rather than relocating to the White House.
Despite his new college life, Barron’s connection to the White House remains intact, and his mother emphasized her flexibility in allowing him to choose where he wants to be.
“Whatever he would like to do,” Melania explained. “I feel as children, we have them till they are 18, 19 years old. We teach them, we guide them, and then we give them the wings to fly.”
Barron’s decision to live in New York for now reflects his independent nature, and Melania respects his choices, always ensuring he feels supported in his decisions.
Balancing Between Barron’s Independence & The Family’s Unique Political Situation
The Trumps’ son is now navigating his first year of college, and a source close to the family shared with People in December that Melania is focused on ensuring Barron remains grounded and adjusted to his new life as a student, particularly in light of the political spotlight his family constantly faces.
“Melania will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student,” a political source said.
However, this is not to say that Barron would be found “living in a dorm in a college town” anytime soon. The source maintained that that “isn’t in the stars for him at this point.”
The source also noted that Barron already possesses his own political ideas, which need to be carefully guided and monitored, given his unique family background.
With his mother’s unwavering support, Barron is expected to continue living independently but still remain connected to the family’s primary residences, including Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower.
Although Barron will not be living full-time in the White House, Melania reassured viewers that her son’s presence there would not be limited. His room at the White House is set up for whenever he chooses to visit, further reinforcing her commitment to supporting his autonomy while maintaining close family bonds.
Melania’s Decision to Not Live in The White House Full-Time
In the interview, Melania also touched on her decision not to live at the White House full-time. Insider sources had suggested so far that she may not be entirely keen on relocating to the official residence after Donald Trump assumes the presidency for a second term.
While it is expected that Melania will perform her duties as first lady, her preference for maintaining her own spaces in New York and Palm Beach makes it clear that her primary residence may not be at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
A social source close to the Trump family explained last November, “If Melania becomes first lady again, of course, people expect her to move into the White House and perform appropriate duties. But she is not so keen on relocating to the official residence.”
The source continued, adding that Melania will have a private living apartment within the White House, but she will continue to spend significant time at her other homes. “She will have her private living apartment there, and she has her home in New York, and her home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach,” the source noted. “She will spend time in all of these places,” they said, reaffirming Melania’s stand on the issue.
Given this, it seems unlikely that she will ever make the White House her permanent residence, despite her role as first lady.
This arrangement has become increasingly common for public figures, particularly those with substantial personal or professional commitments in various cities. For Melania, the need to balance family life with her public responsibilities will continue to shape her approach to her role as first lady.
Transitioning into the White House is a Breeze the Second Time
One thing Melania has already prepared for is the logistical side of moving back into the White House. The transition process, which involves moving the outgoing first family out and preparing the new first family for their arrival, is no small task. The incoming first lady reflected on the differences between her first and second moves into the residence, noting that she is far better prepared this time around.
“The difference is I know where I will be going,” Melania explained, with a hint of reassurance. “I know the rooms where we will be living, I know the process.”
Looking back on her first time moving into the White House, she admitted it was a challenging experience. The lack of information at that time made it a more difficult transition, but with the knowledge she’s gained over the past few years, this time will be a far smoother process.
“I already packed, I already selected the furniture that needs to go in,” she said. “So it’s a very different transition this time, second time around.”
While the logistics of such a move may be intense, Melania’s calm and collected demeanor suggests she’s ready for the challenge.
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term in the White House, Melania’s approach to the next four years will likely involve finding a balance between her public duties, her role as a mother, and her desire for family stability.
