Melania Trump holds the distinction of being only the second First Lady in American history to be born outside of the United States. However, she is uniquely the first First Lady to be born in a communist nation. Melania was born in what was then Yugoslavia under the rule of Marshal Josip Tito. The first foreign-born First Lady was Louisa Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams, who was born in London. Louisa Adams had an American merchant father and an English mother.
She served as the sixth First Lady of the United States from 1825 to 1829, bringing a diverse cultural background to the role. Following in Louisa Adams’ footsteps, Melania Trump brought her own international heritage and experiences as a non-native-born First Lady.
Keeping It Neutral
In addition to her roles as a mother and First Lady, Melania Trump actively participated in various charitable endeavors. She dedicated her time to organizations such as the Martha Graham Dance Company and Love Our Children USA, showcasing her passion for the arts and her commitment to supporting children's causes. However, Melania's approach to philanthropy diverged from the traditional path taken by previous First Ladies.
Unlike her predecessors, she did not pursue a specific cause or use her position to champion a particular agenda. Her charitable efforts may not have been as prominently displayed during her time in the White House, leading to a perception that her philanthropic endeavors were less apparent compared to those of previous First Ladies.
A Woman of Faith
Melania Trump is the first Catholic to reside in the White House since the Kennedy administration. Confirming her faith, Melania's spokesperson affirmed her Catholic affiliation after her visit to the Vatican. Her religious journey began in Slovenia, where she was baptized as a child. However, due to the strict control of the League of Communists of Slovenia, the baptism had to be conducted in secret.
While former President Trump openly acknowledged his religious identity during his campaign, Melania maintained a more private approach to her faith. Reflecting on her memorable encounter with the Pope, she described the experience as indelible, a cherished moment that would forever hold a special place in her heart.
No Spotlite for Me, Thanks
Throughout her husband's campaign, Melania Trump made a deliberate effort to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. It was highly unusual for a high-profile woman like her to deliberately fade from public view. Typically, first ladies are visible figures, constantly at their husbands' sides. However, Melania took a different approach by consciously avoiding political media coverage and openly expressing her reservations about her husband's presidential campaign.
Her reluctance to conform to the prototypical role of First Lady set her apart. Despite her intentions, the camera's attention was captivated by her striking presence, making it difficult for Melania to escape the lens and the public's fascination with her.
The Muse
During her time as First Lady, Melania Trump was assigned the United States Secret Service code name "Muse." While these code names are not strictly essential due to the widespread use of encrypted electronic communications, they adhere to a longstanding tradition. Traditionally, code names for family members in the presidential security detail begin with the same letter.
Other First Ladies had their own unique code names, such as Renaissance for Michelle Obama, Tempo for Laura Bush, and Evergreen for Hillary Clinton. These code names not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of tradition and intrigue to the security measures surrounding the First Family.