Melania Trump celebrates Barbara Bush's progressive outlook at a White House gathering
Unveiling a Stamp for a Female Pioneer: Melania Trump Honors Barbara Bush
Stepping into History: Melania Trump's Tribute to Barbara Bush
In a stirring White House ceremony, first lady Melania Trump paid homage to her predecessor, the late Barbara Bush, by unveiling a US postage stamp, acknowledging Bush's groundbreaking vision and her historic 1990 remark urging for a female president.
Bush, a trailblazer of the Republican dynasty and a first lady who championed literacy, passed away in 2018. Her recognition in the East Room, amidst some conspicuous absences, underscored Trump's unique approach to the role and the simmering tensions between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, who frequently targeted her sons during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Those tensions remained unspoken at the event. However, not all Bush family members were present. Doro Bush Koch and Neil Bush, along with other family members, friends, and former staff members, attended the commemorative occasion.
A Timeless Call to Action
Melania Trump celebrated Barbara Bush for her unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones. She quoted from what she described as Bush's "iconic commencement address" at the women's college Wellesley, where Bush famously declared, "Who knows - somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well."
Trump highlighted Bush's proactive effort to champion women's empowerment, shift the national conversation on AIDS, and support gay rights. "I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker," she said.
Trump also honored Barbara Bush's forward-thinking vision, stating, "Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, reflecting her progressive stance on women's leadership well before it became a widespread national conversation."
A Rare Public Appearance
The stamp unveiling marked Trump's second public appearance of the day, albeit a rare one for a first lady who has spent much of her husband's second term away from Washington, residing mainly in Palm Beach and New York. She has made only a few public appearances, including joining her husband for trips to North Carolina and California, welcoming the nation's governors for dinner, attending the president's address to a joint session of Congress, hosting the Easter Egg Roll, advocating for the "Take It Down" Act on Capitol Hill, and traveling to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.
Her approach to the role showcases the first lady's independent streak, distinct from how Barbara Bush approached the assignment, who was deeply rooted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As daughter Doro Bush Koch shared, "Mom told her staff she wanted to do something every day to help others. So that's what she did - she scheduled many events and visits that highlighted a need to help encourage volunteerism or focus on literacy."
A Pioneer and a Matriarch
Barbara Bush's disdain for Donald Trump was no secret. During the 2016 campaign, Trump frequently criticized her son Jeb Bush as "low energy" and personally attacked his brother, George W. Bush, for invading Iraq. In 2021, Trump lambasted George W. Bush's "failed and uninspiring presidency."
In a 2018 interview, Bush - a mother to one GOP president and wife of another - told author and journalist Susan Page that she no longer considered herself a Republican. Page also reported in her book, "The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty," that Bush was so horrified by Trump's 2016 win that she kept a countdown clock, given to her by a friend, on her bedside table that showed the time remaining in Trump's term.
Donald Trump did not attend Bush's funeral service, with the White House citing his wish "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service." Melania Trump attended in his stead.
George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attended Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration but did not attend the post-ceremony luncheon.
- In a controversial turn of events, Melania Trump, the current first lady, honored the late Barbara Bush by unveiling a US postage stamp, hailing Bush as a trailblazer who advocated for a female president.
- Amidst the simmering tension between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, Melania Trump commemorated Barbara Bush's unwavering conviction and her commitment to women’s empowerment during the stamp unveiling ceremony.
- In an ironic twist, Melania Trump, who has been largely absent from Washington in her husband's second term, cited Barbara Bush's proactive effort in shifting the national conversation on AIDS, supporting gay rights, and championing women's leadership.
- While Melania Trump showcased her independent streak in approaching her role as first lady, Barbara Bush, during her tenure, was deeply rooted at the White House, actively championing causes like volunteerism and literacy.
- Insights from author Susan Page's book, "The Matriarch," revealed that Barbara Bush disdained Donald Trump, citing personal attacks and criticisms directed towards her sons during the 2016 presidential campaign.
- The complex dynamics between the Bush family and President Donald Trump continued even in the face of public appearances, with notable absences and disagreements over policies and leadership, as demonstrated by Bush's personal discontent with Trump's presidency.
