Melania Trump Criticizes Obamas Over First White House Move, Says Second Transition Will Be Smoother
Former and future First Lady Melania Trump has taken aim at Barack and Michelle Obama, accusing them of making her and Donald Trump’s initial transition into the White House difficult. In a recent interview with Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt, Melania claimed the former first couple withheld key information that could have eased the process.
“The first time was challenging because we didn’t have much information,” she stated. “The previous administration withheld details from us, which made things harder.”
Now, as she prepares for a return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the 54-year-old says things will be very different. She has already packed her bags and chosen the furniture that she and President-elect Trump will bring back into the historic residence.
According to Melania, a well-organized transition is crucial since the White House team has just five hours to move one first family out and the next one in. “Everything needs to be planned to the minute,” she explained.
She also suggested that this time, the process will be much smoother, implying that outgoing President Joe Biden’s team has been more cooperative than the Obamas were. “This time, I have everything. It’s a very different transition,” she said. “I know the rooms, I know the process—it’s not new anymore.”
Michelle Obama to Skip Trump’s Inauguration
Donald and Melania Trump are set to return to the White House on January 20, 2025, when Donald officially begins his second term. However, former First Lady Michelle Obama has made it clear she won’t be attending the inauguration—breaking from tradition, which typically sees former presidents and their spouses present at the ceremony.
Some view her absence as a direct statement against Trump’s return to power. While Michelle’s spokesperson did not provide a reason, sources told People that she isn’t willing to “pretend for protocol’s sake.”
“There’s no overstating her feelings about Trump,” an insider claimed. “She doesn’t do things just because they’re expected.”
Michelle was present at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 but has recently stepped back from public engagements, even skipping former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9 due to a “scheduling conflict” while vacationing in Hawaii.
Melania’s Role in Trump’s Second Term
As Melania prepares for her second stint as First Lady, she says her priorities remain the same: serving the country while balancing her roles as a wife and mother. Her son, Barron, is currently a freshman at New York University, and she plans to divide her time between Washington, D.C., New York, and Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
“I will be in the White House when needed, in New York when needed, and in Palm Beach when needed,” she said. “But my first priority is being a mom, a First Lady, and a wife. Once we are in on January 20, we serve the country.”
Since leaving the White House in 2021, Melania has largely stayed out of the spotlight, spending most of her time at Mar-a-Lago, the Trumps’ primary residence since 2019.
Trump Family’s Plans for 2025
While Melania’s return to Washington is set, it remains unclear how many of Donald Trump’s family members will join him. His eldest daughter, Ivanka, has already ruled out taking part in his administration and will remain in Miami, where she and her husband, Jared Kushner, own a $24 million mansion on Indian Creek Island.
Ivanka and Jared moved to Florida immediately after Trump’s first presidency ended, purchasing their exclusive property—dubbed “Billionaire Bunker”—in 2021. Meanwhile, Trump’s other children have also settled in Florida. Don Jr. and his former partner, Kimberly Guilfoyle, moved to a mansion in Jupiter, FL, close to Eric and Lara Trump’s home. Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, opted for West Palm Beach.
As the Trump family prepares for their second chapter in the White House, Melania seems confident that this time, the transition will be far easier than the first.
