Former First Lady Melania Trump is expected to turn down an invitation from Jill Biden to meet at the White House, though reports vary on the reasons behind her decision.
Sources Cite Different Reasons for Rejection
According to The New York Post, an anonymous source familiar with the matter claims that Melania Trump’s decision to decline the invitation is rooted in unresolved bitterness over the FBI’s raid of the Trumps’ Mar-a-Lago estate. The source allegedly stated, “Jill Biden’s husband authorized the FBI snooping through her underwear drawer,” and added, “The Bidens are disgusting.”
The 2022 FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago was part of an investigation into classified documents that were allegedly being improperly stored there by former President Donald Trump. However, the case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge in the summer of 2023.
Traditional Meeting of Incoming and Outgoing First Ladies
It is customary for the sitting First Lady to meet with her successor to reflect on a peaceful transition of power. However, this did not happen in 2020 when Melania Trump and Jill Biden did not meet following the contested presidential election, which was based on false claims of election fraud.
Scheduling Conflict Cited as Alternative Explanation
CNN also reported that Melania Trump is unlikely to accept the invitation, but sources suggested that the reason is more practical: a scheduling conflict due to her ongoing book promotion tour. The source emphasized that the decision is not yet final, leaving some room for change.
A Warm Welcome in 2016 from Michelle Obama
When Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, then-First Lady Michelle Obama extended a warm invitation to Melania Trump. She invited her to the White House for tea and a tour, a gesture that helped set the tone for a smooth transition.
