Melania Trump Expected to Decline White House Meeting With Jill Biden

In a break from long-standing White House tradition, former First Lady Melania Trump is expected to decline an invitation to meet with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden this Wednesday.

The anticipated decline comes as President Biden and former President Trump are scheduled for their first face-to-face meeting in years at the Oval Office. The White House from Washington, DC / Cheriss May / Wikimedia

According to Kate Bennett, author of "Free Melania: The Unauthorized Biography," this departure from protocol reflects the increasingly divisive nature of American politics.

"It's really a sad state of affairs when Melania Trump, who was so adhered to protocol, was a real rule follower when it came to traditions, would not go and have the traditional tea with Dr. Biden at the White House," Bennett said in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. Porchlight Books

The tradition of the outgoing First Lady hosting her successor has been a cornerstone of peaceful presidential transitions, surviving even through periods of political tension.

When Mrs. Trump was the incoming First Lady, Michelle Obama hosted her at the White House, maintaining this diplomatic custom despite the contentious 2016 campaign. White House / Wikimedia

Sources close to Mrs. Trump cited a scheduling conflict with a memoir-related event as the reason for her expected absence.

However, some view this as part of a broader pattern of breaking with First Lady traditions, noting that in 2020, the Trumps did not invite Joe and Jill Biden to the White House following that year's election. The White House from Washington, DC / Wikimedia

The traditional First Lady tea has historically served as more than just a social call. "There are logistical conversations, there's how do we move the family in," Bennett explained, emphasizing the practical importance of these transitions. Matt H. Wade / Wikimedia

Previous First Ladies, including Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, maintained this tradition despite personal or political differences with their successors. David Valdez, White House Photo Office / Wikimedia