Melania Trump declines White House meeting with Jill Biden, citing Mar-a-Lago raid as the reason.
At a Glance
- Melania Trump will not join Donald Trump at the White House despite an invitation from the Bidens
- The former First Lady cites the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago as her reason for declining
- This breaks the tradition of outgoing and incoming First Ladies meeting for tea
- The decision highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump and Biden administrations
Breaking Tradition: Melania Trump’s White House Snub
In a move that underscores the deep political divisions in Washington, former First Lady Melania Trump has declined an invitation to meet with current First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. This decision breaks a long-standing tradition of outgoing and incoming First Ladies meeting for tea and signals ongoing tensions between the Trump and Biden administrations.
The refusal comes as part of the transition process following Donald Trump’s victory in the recent presidential election. While President-elect Trump is expected to meet with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office, Melania’s absence from the customary First Ladies’ meeting is notable.
Mar-a-Lago Raid: The Root of Melania’s Discontent
At the heart of Melania Trump’s decision lies the controversial FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago in 2022. The raid, which sought to recover classified documents allegedly stored illegally by Donald Trump, has been a source of significant controversy and legal battles. “She ain’t going,” a source familiar with Melania’s decision told The Post. “Jill Biden’s husband authorized the FBI snooping through her underwear drawer. The Bidens are disgusting.”
Melania herself has expressed anger over the raid, describing it as an “invasion of privacy” in a September interview on “Fox & Friends.” This sentiment appears to be the primary driver behind her decision to forgo the traditional White House meeting.
The Future of the First Lady Role
As the Trumps prepare for a potential return to the White House, questions arise about Melania’s plans for her role as First Lady. Reports suggest she may take on a part-time role and might not live full-time at the White House. This marks a departure from traditional expectations and raises questions about the evolving nature of the First Lady position.
Melania Trump declined to meet with Jill Biden at the White House during Wednesday's meeting between Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden, citing the Mar-a-Lago raid. pic.twitter.com/gHVswSCXQA
— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) November 12, 2024
Despite these uncertainties, sources indicate that Melania is working on a transition and building an East Wing office with the help of John Rogers. However, she has not yet announced an agenda or staff hires for her potential second term as First Lady.
A Symbol of Broader Political Tensions
Melania Trump’s decision not to meet with Jill Biden is more than a personal choice; it symbolizes the broader political divide that continues to characterize American politics. This refusal echoes Donald Trump’s own actions following the 2020 election, when he did not invite Joe Biden for the traditional Oval Office meeting.
While the Bidens have promised a peaceful transition and extended invitations to the Trumps, the refusal highlights the ongoing tensions between the two camps. As the nation prepares for another transition of power, the absence of these traditional meetings serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing bipartisan cooperation in today’s political climate.
Sources:
Melania Trump To Reject Jill Biden White House Invite For Eyebrow-Raising Reason: Report
Melania Trump declines to meet with Jill Biden at White House, citing Mar-a-Lago raid: source
