Melania Trump’s apparent grudge against the Obamas resurfaced during a recent interview with Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt, where she subtly criticized the former first couple while discussing a potential return to the White House with Donald Trump. According to Nicki Swift, Melania’s comments suggest lingering resentment from her initial transition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2017.
Reflecting on her first move to the White House, Melania remarked, “I know where I’m going. I know the rooms. Where we will be living. I know the process. The first time was challenging… The information was upheld for us from [the] previous administration. But this time, I have everything.”
Critics were quick to interpret this as a jab at Barack and Michelle Obama, reigniting past tensions. Michelle Obama had hosted Melania for tea and a White House tour during the 2016 transition, a traditional courtesy extended to incoming first ladies.
Despite this gesture, Melania claimed that Obama withheld important information, making her early days in the White House difficult. However, Melania skipped this same tradition when it was her turn to welcome Dr. Jill Biden in 2020 and reportedly declined an invitation to do so again this time around.
Social media users were unimpressed by Melania’s complaints. One person on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “How the f**k is it on the Obamas to give you a full tour of the place, and how is finding rooms ‘challenging’?!” Another noted, “The same woman that refused to invite Dr. Jill Biden to tea for her to transition the WH to the incoming administration.”
Others called out the perceived hypocrisy of her remarks. “It’s almost like she was referring to them as ‘the help didn’t show us where everything was,’” one user posted. Another added, “She refused to move in for 6 months last time. Don’t tell me she was studying WH schematics to figure out the layout.”
Melania has raised this grievance before, even mentioning it in her memoir, Melania, where she described the 2017 move as “challenging.” Her delayed move into the White House, months after Donald Trump’s inauguration, further fueled speculation about her disinterest in the role of first lady.
As for a potential second term, Melania appears more prepared this time around. However, her son, Barron Trump, reportedly has “zero interest” in living in the White House should his father return to office.