Melania Trump is back in the White House for a second term as First Lady, and just like before, she’s approaching the role on her own terms. Known for keeping a low profile, she continues to engage selectively, stepping into traditional First Lady duties only when she chooses. While some First Ladies use the position to champion large-scale initiatives, Melania has always taken a quieter, more reserved approach.
An international upbringing
Born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, then part of Yugoslavia, Melania grew up in the small town of Sevnica. Her father, Viktor, worked in the auto industry, and her mother, Amalija, was a patternmaker in a children’s clothing factory. Fashion was a significant influence early on, leading her to study design and photography in Ljubljana.
She briefly studied architecture at the University of Ljubljana but left to chase a bigger dream: modeling. Under the name “Melania Knauss,” she worked in Milan and Paris before making her way to New York in 1996, appearing on magazine covers and in advertising campaigns. A decade later, in 2006, one year after marrying Donald Trump, she became a U.S. citizen.
A first time focused on select projects
When Melania Trump entered the White House in 2017, she took a measured approach to the role. Her main initiative, Be Best, launched in 2018, focusing on child well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse prevention. The campaign encouraged positive social media use and partnered with organizations working to raise awareness of the opioid crisis. Be Best created educational materials and public service campaigns, but it never grew into a major, policy-driven initiative.
So what’s her focus this time around? So far, it looks like she’s sticking with children’s issues. She plans to expand efforts related to child welfare and education, emphasizing “opportunities for all children to thrive.” It’s unclear whether Be Best will make a comeback or if she’ll launch something new, but her team has hinted that private-sector partnerships and nonprofit collaborations will be part of the strategy.
She’s already made appearances at events focused on education and youth development, but unlike her first term, when Be Best was introduced quickly into her time at the White House, there’s no official initiative yet. Her office has said future efforts will build on her past work while incorporating new areas of focus.
A First Lady under scrutiny
Even though she largely stayed out of the spotlight, Melania Trump still made headlines in her first term. One of the most memorable moments came in 2018, when she visited a detention center for migrant children wearing a jacket that read, “I Really Don’t Care. Do U?” The messaging, unclear at best and controversial at worst, fueled debate about her role and how she chose to engage publicly.
Her absence from key political moments also stood out. Traditionally, outgoing First Ladies have played a big role in transitions of power, welcoming their successors with a White House tour and helping to unify the country. Laura Bush welcomed Michelle Obama into the White House with a sit-down in the private residence, and Michelle Obama later did the same for Melania.
But in 2021, Melania Trump broke from tradition. She did not host Dr. Jill Biden for the customary tour, and reports suggested she was unlikely to attend any formal transition meetings. The pattern continued in 2025 when Jill Biden extended an invitation for a White House meeting, which Melania declined due to a scheduling conflict.
What comes next?
Second-term First Ladies often broaden their influence. Pat Nixon promoted volunteerism and extensive international travel. Nancy Reagan doubled down on her “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign. Laura Bush expanded her advocacy for global women’s education and health.
So will Melania step into a bigger role this time or keep things just as quiet? That’s the big question. She’s indicated that she’ll split her time between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Palm Beach to be a hands-on mom to her son, Barron, who’s attending NYU. That suggests she’ll be balancing public duties with personal priorities, much like she did before.
It remains to be seen whether she redefines the role of First Lady or sticks with selective engagement. Either way, she’s continuing to do it on her own terms.