What was daily life like for Melania Trump in America’s most famous residence? How did she balance the demands of hosting diplomatic events with managing renovations and improvements?
As first lady, Melania Trump’s White House responsibilities ranged from organizing state dinners to overseeing major renovation projects. Her duties included planning holiday celebrations, hosting foreign dignitaries, and working with designers to modernize historic spaces while preserving their character.
Keep reading to discover how Melania transformed the White House through both social events and structural improvements during her husband’s first term.
Image credit: Office of Missouri Governor. Image cropped.
Melania Trump at the White House
For Melania Trump, the White House was a home where she not only lived with her husband and son—she also hosted guests and oversaw renovations. In her memoir, Melania writes about her time in the White House during President Trump’s first term.
As first lady, Melania embraced her responsibility to host and manage White House events with meticulous attention to detail. She highlighted the state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as an example, personally overseeing every aspect—from decor to dining—with nods to both French and American culture through her choice of designers.
(Shortform note: State dinners are key diplomatic events held during official visits by foreign leaders, fostering goodwill and often timed with significant discussions. Traditionally organized by the first lady, these dinners highlight the host country’s hospitality. Notable examples include Queen Elizabeth II’s 1957 visit under Eisenhower, symbolizing strong US-UK ties, and Nelson Mandela’s 1994 visit with Clinton, celebrating the end of apartheid in South Africa and the beginning of a democratic era.)
Melania’s role included planning diverse events, such as the Governor’s Ball and International Women’s Day, where she hosted a luncheon and spoke at the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony to highlight global women’s issues. Holidays were also busy, with events scheduled around Easter and Thanksgiving, and Christmas preparations beginning as early as July. On Valentine’s Day, Melania visited a children’s hospital, engaging in crafts and sharing treats with the patients.
(Shortform note: Secretly recorded tapes from 2018 reveal Melania’s frustration with the demands of holiday preparations. She remarked, “I’m working … my a** off on the Christmas stuff… who gives a f*** about the Christmas stuff and decorations?” suggesting she felt overwhelmed and unrecognized for her efforts. These tapes were recorded by her then-friend and adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and were later used in Wolkoff’s book, Melania and Me.)
Melania also undertook White House renovations in collaboration with designer Tham Kannalikham, focusing on finding the balance between historical preservation and modern updates. In addition to refreshing wallpaper and reupholstering furniture in the White House, Melania oversaw the design and construction of a new tennis pavilion at the White House, and she coordinated updates to Camp David. She writes that she also improved the White House Rose Garden, adding a new walkway for accessibility and an improved irrigation system. According to Melania, these efforts exemplified her commitment to enhancing the beauty and functionality of these historic spaces for future generations.
(Shortform note: It’s typical for first ladies to collaborate with a decorator and undertake grounds and renovation projects during their time in the White House. For example, as first lady, Michelle Obama worked with Michael S. Smith on the private quarters and added a kitchen garden to the Southeast Lawn. However, some of Melania’s projects, such as the renovation of the White House’s Rose Garden and the construction of a tennis pavilion, garnered criticism. A tweet showcasing progress on the new tennis pavilion drew backlash for its insensitivity amid the global pandemic and Tennessee tornadoes. The Rose Garden renovation, which removed 10 original crab apple trees, also faced criticism for altering its iconic layout. However, supporters lauded the refreshed garden’s elegance and accessibility.)
