Will Melania Trump invite Jill Biden for tea-and-tour of White House? First lady may break 100-year tradition
There has been a 100-year-old tradition when it comes to the transfer of power of the first ladies of the United States, and First Lady Melania Trump might just break it. Melania and Donald Trump are set to fly to Florida before or on January 20 when President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the next president in the United States. While it is expected that Melania would invite incoming First Lady Dr Jill Biden to tea and a tour of the White House, there has been no confirmation of the same yet. According to USA Today, they reached out to East Wing, but Melania has not "commented on her plans."
"I know a tea in the Residence between two powerful women married to presidents might seem quaint, but I believe in the power of these traditions to set the stage for civil relationships that lead to dialogues between people that can sometimes lead to action," said Kate Andersen Brower, who authored 'First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies'.
"Michelle Obama and Laura Bush were able to work together because of the relationship they forged early on," she added. If Melania will keep this tradition, we are yet to find out. Last Monday, Melania revealed that it was "the honor of my lifetime" to serve as her husband's first lady, USA Today reported.
The article revealed that the first well documented "first ladies" meeting for the tea and a tour was back in December 1920 between first lady Edith Wilson and Florence Harding. There was also one with Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush in 1989, even though it was "brief" thanks to their "frosty" relationship. It also goes back to 1960 where the tradition followed with Mamie Eisenhower and Jacqueline Kennedy, and many more. Of course, even the Obamas hosted the Trumps at the White House after the November 2016 election campaign.
According to reports, the Bidens are still invited -- by the White House "not the president" -- to stay at Blair House the night before he is sworn in. According to a statement from the State Department, the Bidens have accepted the offer to stay at the presidential guest residence on Lafayette Square. This too is a kind of tradition, considering this has apparently been the norm since the days of former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.
According to USA Today, the purpose of the meeting is to give the new family coming in a "walk-through of the White House’s private living quarters on the second and third floors and introduce them to the residence staff." It was reported on January 14 that a source told CNN that Melania "has yet to make contact" with incoming first lady Dr. Biden. While the Obamas had attended Trump's inauguration in 2017, the president has announced that he won't be attending Biden's inaauguration. Brower also told the publiction, "There's never been any first lady as stubborn and defiant as Melania Trump. I think she's digging in. I think she has channeled her husband's fury and is obviously not interested in playing the traditional role of a first lady who, in times of crisis, seeks to unite and soothe the country."