washington
CNN
—
President Melania Trump is not expected to attend the traditional White House meeting with First Lady Jill Biden, a person familiar with her plans said.
The decision comes as Melania Trump prepares to reassume the role of high-profile (but unelected) first lady, with no manual and an automatic global platform. It emphasizes a long-standing desire to defy the
Officials cited the former first lady’s previous schedule conflicts related to her newly released memoir. A source said the decision had not yet been finalized.
Last week, Jill Biden extended the traditional invitation to Melania Trump, and her husband also invited the president-elect to the Oval Office, a symbol to the nation and the world that a peaceful transition of power will take place. It was a tacit act of rebuke to Mr. Donald. President Trump refused the same meeting with Joe Biden, who challenged the election results in 2020. The White House said the two men are scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
There was discussion about encouraging Melania Trump to come to Washington for talks, as some members of the president-elect’s team felt it was important. But the incoming first lady, who spent her first four years in office redefining her role and expectations, is showing early signs that she will have even more autonomy her second time around.
With the exception of 2020, tradition has been for the current first lady to welcome the next first lady at the White House. In 2016, then-first lady Michelle Obama invited Melania Trump to tea in the White House’s Yellow Oval Room and gave her a tour of her private residence.
CNN has reached out to the East Wing for comment.
This story has been updated with additional information.
