Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Melania Trump has confirmed her living arrangements for his second term—ending months of speculation with a clear message: she will divide her time between the White House, New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach.
In a candid interview on Fox & Friends, Melania emphasized her priorities: “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. But my first priority is to be a mom, a first lady, and a wife.”
Her son Barron, now 18 and enrolled at NYU’s Stern School of Business, remains central to her plans. Melania expressed her desire to support him during his transition into adulthood, saying, “We teach them, we guide them, and then we give them the wings to fly.” She added that Barron is welcome to visit the White House anytime, even bringing friends along.
This arrangement marks a departure from traditional expectations of the First Lady residing full-time in Washington. Sources close to the Trumps had previously suggested Melania was “not likely” to make the White House her primary home, preferring to maintain her residences in New York and Florida.
Mar-a-Lago, dubbed the “Winter White House,” has been the family’s main residence since 2019. Meanwhile, their Manhattan penthouse remains a symbolic anchor to Barron’s upbringing and Melania’s former life as a fashion model and businesswoman.
Beyond her living plans, Melania is also preparing to revive her “Be Best” initiative and has hinted at redecorating parts of the White House. Her reemergence in the public eye—after a quiet campaign season—coincides with the release of her memoir and a documentary reportedly licensed by Amazon for $40 million.
In essence, Melania’s post-election plans reflect a woman navigating multiple roles: mother, wife, public figure, and First Lady—each with its own demands, each rooted in a different place. Her decision to split time across three homes is not just logistical—it’s deeply personal.
