What role did Melania Trump play in international relations during her time as First Lady? How did her diplomatic efforts compare to those of her predecessors?
Soft diplomacy emerged as a key aspect of Melania Trump’s tenure as First Lady, from her multinational tours to her cultural exchanges with world leaders. Her activities ranged from visiting historical sites and attending ceremonial events to launching initiatives focused on children’s welfare and military support.
Continue reading to learn about Melania’s soft diplomacy and its impact on America’s global relationships.
Image credit: Mark Neyman / Government Press Office of Israel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Melania Trump’s Soft Diplomacy
In her memoir, Melania Trump discusses her activities of soft diplomacy during her husband’s first term. In May 2017, she embarked on her first major international trip with President Trump, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium, and Sicily. During this trip, she met with international leaders, such as King Salman in Saudi Arabia and Pope Francis at the Vatican, and visited cultural sites, including the Western Wall in Israel.
(Shortform note: In the realm of international relations, the concept of soft diplomacy—also called “soft power”—has emerged as a crucial tool for countries seeking to wield influence on the global stage. Soft diplomacy refers to a nation’s ability to shape perceptions and garner support through non-coercive means such as culture, values, and policies. This form of influence is increasingly significant in an interconnected world where traditional power dynamics are being reshaped by cultural diplomacy and image building. Concurrently, the roles of First Ladies in various countries have garnered attention for their contributions to diplomacy and national identity. These figures, often wives of heads of state or government leaders, play pivotal roles in representing their nations internationally and contributing to soft power strategies through their public image and influence.)
In her diplomatic role, Melania also attended a state banquet with Queen Elizabeth II in London and a sumo wrestling tournament with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. These activities reinforced international alliances and highlighted her engagement in cultural diplomacy.
In October 2018, Melania made a solo trip to Africa as part of her “Be Best” initiative, which focused on spotlighting global issues affecting women and children. In Ghana, she visited the Cape Coast Castle, a historical site significant for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the importance of historical awareness and reflection. In Malawi, her visit to the overcrowded Chipala Primary School underscored the urgent need for more educational resources, aligning with her initiative’s emphasis on improving conditions for children. In Nairobi, Kenya, she spent time at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where she visited baby elephants, drawing attention to regional conservation efforts and the importance of wildlife protection.
| The Soft Diplomacy of First Ladies First ladies have long played a significant role in soft diplomacy, leveraging personal relationships, cultural exchanges, and goodwill gestures to advance international relations and promote American interests abroad. They engage in activities like hosting foreign dignitaries, participating in cultural events, and championing humanitarian causes such as education, health care, and women’s empowerment, addressing universal concerns while showcasing American values. This approach complements traditional diplomacy and enhances the country’s global image and influence. For example, Hillary Clinton was a prominent advocate for women’s rights on the international stage, delivering a landmark speech at the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, while Michelle Obama focused on education and healthy living, launching initiatives like “Let Girls Learn” to promote educational opportunities for girls worldwide. Some observers argue that Melania’s diplomatic efforts, relative to the soft diplomacy of her predecessors, were more concentrated on ceremonial duties and cultural exchanges rather than on substantive engagement with pressing global issues. However, others commended her for bringing elegance and a traditional approach to the role of first lady, noting her distinct style and grace. Melania often needed to navigate between personal diplomacy and broader policy-level challenges. For example, during her visit to Africa, her commendation of USAID’s work highlighted a contrast with concerns over proposed funding cuts by the Trump administration. |
Melania emphasizes her commitment to supporting the US military with her surprise Christmas visit to American troops in Iraq in December 2018 and her stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. These visits were part of her broader involvement in military and veteran support.
(Shortform note: In addition to visiting troops abroad, Melania implemented several initiatives to support military families. She organized care package efforts for deployed troops, particularly during the holiday season, collaborating with second lady Karen Pence to create comfort kits filled with hygiene products, snacks, and personal notes of gratitude. Additionally, in September 2017, she visited the Youth Center at Joint Base Andrews, where she met with children of military families and learned about the center’s before- and after-school care, social recreation, sports, fitness, and instructional programs.)
