In an unprecedented move in modern White House history, Melania Trump met Jill Biden without a gift during the presidential transition on January 20, 2025. This broke the tradition of a formal gift exchange between the incoming and outgoing first ladies.
The Trumps were welcomed to the White House for the traditional pre-inauguration meeting by President Joe Biden with the words, “Welcome home.” This was in contrast to 2021 when the Trumps chose not to partake in inaugural activities.
This absence of a gift was noteworthy, especially considering Mrs. Trump’s own arrival at the White House in 2017, when she handed a blue Tiffany & Co. box to then-First Lady Michelle Obama. The unexpected gift momentarily flustered Mrs. Obama, prompting then-President Barack Obama to intervene and receive the package. Mrs. Obama later disclosed in a 2018 interview that the gift was a “lovely frame,” shedding light on a much-discussed transition moment.
The gift exchange is among several customs that have marked presidential transitions since the mid-20th century. In line with this tradition, Dr. Biden invited Mrs. Trump to a tea gathering at the White House in December 2024. After Mrs. Trump declined the invitation, Dr. Biden sent a private note offering help with the transition process, which was delivered through Donald Trump during their meeting at the Notre Dame reopening ceremony. The only encounter between the two women before the inauguration was a brief conversation at former President Carter’s state funeral.
Mrs. Trump compared this transition process to her experience in 2017. She asserted that the Obama administration had not been forthcoming with information during her transition, posing challenges. However, she pointed out that she had all the necessary information for the 2025 transition, marking a stark difference. She also indicated she had finished packing and selecting furniture, showing her readiness for the transition.
Even though the gift exchange didn’t take place, both first ladies kept up the tradition of meticulous inaugural fashion. Mrs. Trump donned a navy blue coat by American designer Adam Lippes and a unique wide-brimmed hat with white trimming by American brand Eric Javits. Dr. Biden opted for a tie-waist purple coat that symbolized a dignified transition. The fashion choices of both women, especially their selection of American designers, were noted by observers.
In accordance with established protocol, the two couples had coffee and tea in the White House residence before leaving for the Capitol ceremony. “My message today is joy,” Biden said, adding “hope” to his inaugural themes. The joint departure of both couples for the Capitol was a testament to the longstanding traditions of peaceful transition, even though some customs underwent changes.
Moving forward, Mrs. Trump’s office has signaled a potential change in the role of the first lady during her husband’s second term. Her schedule will be split between official duties in Washington, D.C., and time at their residences in Florida and New York City, where her son Barron attends university, veering away from traditional first lady protocols.
