Melania Trump has reportedly declined an invitation to meet with First Lady Jill Biden at the White House, citing lingering grievances over the FBI’s 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago.
According to sources close to the former first lady, Melania feels “deeply disrespected” by the search of her private residence, which left her wary of engaging in any White House tradition with the current administration.
A Stark Departure from Tradition
Traditionally, outgoing and incoming first ladies meet as part of the transition process, but Melania’s decision marks a notable break from this precedent. Sources say Melania remains cautious about entering the White House in any formal capacity while Joe Biden is in office, perceiving the raid as a direct violation of her privacy and dignity.
Source: Raid Left “Lasting Impact” on Melania’s Outlook
“Melania still holds strong reservations about how everything was handled,” a source close to the Trump family said. “The raid left a lasting impact on her perception of Washington politics.” This sentiment reportedly influenced her decision not to engage in what has typically been a symbolic show of unity and respect between the two administrations.
Trump Camp Remains Mum
While neither Melania nor her spokesperson has commented publicly on the decision, the move is in line with recent remarks from Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the Mar-a-Lago search. The Trump camp has remained tight-lipped about Melania’s stance, although insiders indicate that the former first lady’s decision has strong backing from her husband.
Jill Biden’s Office Responds
In response, Jill Biden’s office expressed understanding, stating that the first lady respects Melania’s decision and will proceed with plans for the holiday season without the customary handoff meeting. The statement emphasized that Jill remains committed to welcoming all Americans to the White House during the holidays, despite the unusual circumstances.
Impact on Future First Lady Traditions
The fallout may set a new precedent, leaving open questions about how future administrations will handle this symbolic gesture. With the 2024 election bringing Trump back to the presidency, it remains to be seen if Melania will uphold the tradition when the roles are reversed.
