Melania Trump has made a striking allegation against former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, claiming they withheld critical information during her and President-elect Donald Trump’s first transition to the White House in 2017.
Speaking on “FOX & Friends” with host Ainsley Earhardt, the former first lady described the initial move as “challenging” due to what she characterized as a lack of cooperation from the outgoing administration.
“The first time was challenging; we didn’t have much information,” Melania said, according to the Daily Mail. “The information was upheld [sic] from us by the previous administration.”
“But this time, I have everything… it’s a very different transition this time, second time around.”
Melania, 54, is preparing to return to the White House on Jan. 20, following her husband’s swearing-in as president after his historic political comeback. Reflecting on the upcoming move, she expressed confidence that this second transition will be smoother, partly due to her prior experience and familiarity with the residence.
Melania’s jab at the Obama’s comes after it was confirmed that Michelle Obama would not attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday. While all living former presidents and first ladies are expected to attend, Michelle, 60, has opted out.
Sources close to her cited her unwillingness to “be fake” as the reason for her decision, contrasting with Barack Obama’s attendance and visible attempts at fostering unity.
“Her absence speaks volumes,” a source told Page Six. “She doesn’t have to unify around [Trump].”
“She doesn’t have to say anything.”
Michelle’s decision follows a history of strained interactions between the Obamas and Trumps. During Trump’s first inauguration, Melania famously presented Michelle with a gift in a Tiffany blue box, resulting in an awkward exchange that has since been widely circulated on social media.
Melania confirmed that the transition process will involve a five-hour switchover on Jan. 20, during which the Bidens will vacate the residence and the Trumps will move in. When asked if the Bidens had been accommodating, she appeared to skip over the question.
Instead, she emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and credited her previous experience with helping streamline the process this time.
“Everything needs to be planned to the minute,” Melania explained. “Having prior knowledge of the residence is helpful.”
Melania declined an invite from Jill Biden for tea in November, a tradition for incoming and outgoing first ladies during the presidential transition, as Resist the Mainstream previously reported. Jill extended the offer, but Melania also declined, according to a report in The Washington Post.
The former first lady also shared her excitement about redecorating the White House, revealing that the decor will differ slightly from her previous choices. However, she reaffirmed her commitment to serving the country while prioritizing her role as a mother and wife.
“I will be in the White House, and when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach,” Melania said.
“But my first priority is to be a mom, to be a First Lady, to be a wife.”
