Melania Trump's communications director, Stephanie Grisham, has a full-time job keeping the nation apprised of the first lady's activities. It's not an easy task, especially when she makes statements on behalf of Mrs. Trump's personal life, or is justifying certain initiatives she takes on as a result of them contradicting her husband's actions. The one thing that comes to mind in this area is Melania's anti-bullying initiative.
She gets a lot of backlash for taking this on while President Donald Trump freely tries to intimidate and exact revenge on his perceived enemies via Twitter.
First lady wants clear lines drawn
Grisham has had to defend Melania Trump several times regarding her chosen agenda, with the latest statement announcing that the first lady "is independent and acts independently from her husband." CNN reports that a former White House official Michelle Obama also acted independently in her initiatives for the Let's Move! and Let Girl's Learn when she was the first lady, but it was never in direct conflict with her husband's agenda.
“There would never have been anything similar to that (statement from Grisham) because it wasn’t an issue for the Obamas," the former Obama aide explained. "Michelle Obama had her own agenda — Let Girls Learn, Let’s Move, Joining Forces — but at no point did any of those conflict with the President’s words, actions, or policies.”
No hard and fast rules for acting first lady
Anita McBride, who served as chief of staff to former First Lady Laura Bush, chimed in on the debate over how Melania Trump handles the role so differently from others before her. McBride reminds people that there is no one-size-fits-all description for the first lady role. It's a position each one can make her own and define it any capacity she'd like.
Melania has been by far the most unconventional; she moved to Washington, D.C. six months after Trump was inaugurated. She wanted 11-year-old son, Barron, to finish the school year before relocating to the White House.
One other aspect that makes Melania unique is the fact she has a small staff in the East Wing. Her predecessors had at least between 20 and 24 aides, while Mrs. Trump employs just nine. Stephanie Grisham was once again requested to defend the first lady's actions, stating that Melania values "quality over quantity."
Comparisons drawn between Melania Trump and Michelle Obama will continue throughout Donald Trump's presidency. Michelle was a popular first lady and to many, Melania has some big shoes to fill.