Reflecting on the first year of President Trump’s second term, Melania Trump described her role as first lady as a profound duty and responsibility. This marks exactly a year since they returned to the White House.
In a post on January 20, Melania Trump stated, “A year ago today, I was entrusted to serve our country once again.” She noted that being the first lady is not just an honor but an important duty. Her post included a video of the prior year’s Inauguration Day affairs, including her husband’s oath-taking ceremony, a luncheon, a prayer service at the Capitol, a parade, and three inaugural balls.
At 55, the first lady expressed her message of hope while promoting her forthcoming documentary “Melania,” produced by Amazon MGM Studios, set for release on January 30. “As we continue on this journey together … we must remember that hope is a powerful force, and that our vision to create a brighter future for all is within reach,” she said.
In a previous interview with Fox News, she admitted that their first term had been challenging due to a lack of information. She explained that her current term was different as she was well-prepared, including having already selected the furniture for the transition.
During her husband’s second term, Melania Trump has adopted a unique approach to her role as first lady, dividing her time between the White House, Trump Tower in New York City, New York, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Reports suggest she spent fewer than 14 days at the White House in the first 100 days following the January 20, 2025, inauguration.
Accompanying her limited presence at the White House, the first lady’s office was significantly downscaled. As of July 2025, her office only employed five full-time staff members, a sharp decrease from traditional first lady operations. This reduction represented a larger shift in Melania Trump’s approach to her duties.
Adding to the non-traditional second term, the president commissioned the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make room for a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom. This move displaced the Office of the First Lady, forcing a relocation to rooms within the Executive Mansion, including the Vermeil Room, South Mezzanine, Library, and China Room. These rooms, usually reserved for ceremonial functions, now serve as the operational headquarters for the first lady’s reduced staff.
Despite her limited time in Washington, Melania Trump maintained a visible schedule of official appearances. She attended the National Day of Prayer Service on January 21, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral with the president. A few days later, on January 24, 2025, she joined President Trump to assess wildfire damage in Los Angeles, California and Hurricane Helene damage in North Carolina.
The first lady has also taken part in traditional White House events, hosting the National Governors Association dinner on February 22, 2025. She became involved in policy matters by joining a TAKE IT DOWN Act roundtable on March 3, 2025, focusing on legislation to combat non-consensual intimate imagery online. The following day, on March 4, 2025, she attended President Trump’s joint session of Congress speech.
Her spring schedule included presenting awards at the International Women of Courage Awards on April 1, 2025, with Marco Rubio. She hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 21, 2025, continuing a longstanding presidential tradition. On April 26, 2025, she traveled to Vatican City to attend a papal funeral in Rome, representing the United States at an important international event.
Beyond ceremonial duties, Melania Trump’s influence extended into key policy areas. She wrote a peace letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 16, 2025, which President Trump delivered in person before their summit in Alaska. Putin read the letter as both American and Russian delegations watched during the historic meeting.
The first lady also showed her engagement in policy through humanitarian advocacy. According to reports, she influenced President Trump’s stance on Gaza issues and reportedly shaped his skepticism about Putin regarding Ukraine. On October 10, 2025, she held a press conference addressing the issue of Ukrainian children abductions, highlighting her behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.
Her international engagements continued with a state visit to Britain on September 17-18, 2025, which included time at Windsor Castle. These diplomatic appearances underlined her ongoing representation of the United States abroad despite her limited White House residency.
Melania Trump has also concentrated on technology and education policy. She attended an AI education task force meeting, demonstrating her continued engagement with emerging policy challenges facing American families and children. This work builds on her broader portfolio of issues related to child welfare and digital safety.
The first lady’s approach to her role is a departure from traditional expectations. Her decision to maintain residences in multiple locations reflects a modern interpretation of the position, one that balances personal preferences with official obligations.
Throughout this period, Melania Trump has balanced her reduced Washington presence with strategic appearances at key events. Her participation in ceremonial occasions, from the Easter Egg Roll to international diplomatic visits, has maintained visibility for the Office of the First Lady even as its physical footprint and staffing have diminished.
