Melania Trump’s recently released documentary is forcing a reevaluation of the traditionally rigid expectations placed on U.S. First Ladies. Unlike her predecessors, Trump has not deferred financial pursuits until after leaving the White House, raising questions about whether the role itself needs modernizing.
The Antiquated Tradition of the First Lady
Historically, First Ladies have largely suspended personal careers and financial ventures during their husbands’ presidencies. Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton both stepped back from their professions while in office, though Jill Biden continued teaching community college. This expectation stems from an outdated notion that the First Lady’s primary duty is to support the President and fulfill ceremonial obligations.
Melania Trump: Breaking the Mold
Kate Bennett, author of Free Melania, argues that Trump might be intentionally reshaping the First Lady role. She openly pursues promotional opportunities while her husband is still in office, challenging the unspoken rule that such activities should wait until after the presidency.
“We’re watching somebody with perhaps one of the biggest global platforms in the world choose to use it primarily when she has a promotional endeavor,” Bennett told CNN.
The question is whether this is inherently problematic. The First Lady position is unpaid, and women often sacrifice their own careers and income for their husbands’ political ambitions. Critics suggest that in 2024, it’s time to reconsider whether this arrangement is fair or sustainable.
Lowering Expectations
Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women, noted in August 2023 that Melania Trump “lowered the bar” for First Lady duties. She appeared uninterested in conforming to traditional expectations, and her actions signal a potential shift in how Americans view the position.
A Turning Tide?
The documentary, and Trump’s behavior more broadly, suggests that the public might be ready for a First Lady who prioritizes her own interests. The role is often described as “weird and antiquated,” and if it remains unchanged, it risks alienating future potential occupants who may not want to put their lives “on hold” for their husband’s political career.
Melania Trump’s actions are forcing a necessary conversation: Should the First Lady position evolve to accommodate modern expectations, or should it remain a largely ceremonial role that demands personal sacrifice? The answer remains to be seen, but the debate is now firmly underway.
