Candidates running for President of US usually have their spouse stepping in for support and then the first lady role with enthusiasm and a mission to tackle during their time in the White House.
During Donald Trump’s administration, those rules were broken when Melania Trump was the first lady because she didn’t want to be forced into the high expectations that come with the position.
Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies, spoke with SheKnows and offered some of her insight into studying and researching the first ladies of the modern era.
“I always felt that she didn’t want to be the first lady and she was unapologetic about it,” Brower shares. “She wasn’t interested in doing what we expected of her.” That often led to divisive moments like her blood-red Christmas tree decor and her #BeBest anti-bullying initiative. People just didn’t understand what she was trying to accomplish since she didn’t unify the country the way first ladies often do.
Brower believes that Melania “lowered the bar” for what a first lady needs to accomplish during her husband’s administration. Even in Donald Trump’s third run for president, she adds, “We don’t expect to see or hear from her. If we do, it’s surprising.”
It’s why Casey DeSantis is doing her best to show up for her husband, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his quest for the Oval Office. “Casey DeSantis is filling that more stereotypical wife, mother, advisor [role],” Brower says. “She reminds me a bit of Nancy Reagan. She’s his biggest protector.”
