Melania Trump Prays for 'Healing' and 'Peace'
The first lady Sunday posted a dramatic image of herself from Pope Francis' funeral where she expressed her prayers for people suffering.
First Lady Melania Trump spoke out Sunday about the “honor of attending Pope Francis’ funeral” in a social media post. Paired with her comments, the first lady, who is Roman Catholic, posted an image of herself with her eyes closed and hands clasped while in attendance at the funeral.
“I prayed for the healing of those who are suffering and for peace in the world,” Trump said in the post.
Trump is the second practicing Catholic first lady to serve in the role after former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Trump wore a black double-breasted coat, a black mantilla in silk georgette with a Chantilly lace border and black Chantilly lace gloves.
Trump’s attire was similar to what she wore when she and her husband, President Donald Trump, first met Pope Francis in 2017. At that time, the first lady described the encounter saying, “Today’s visit with His Holiness Pope Francis@Pontifex is one I’ll never forget. I was humbled by the honor. Blessings to all.”
The Trump’s attendance to the Pope’s funeral also coincided with the the first lady’s birthday on Saturday. Mrs. Trump turned 55. In her social media post on Sunday, she also expressed her gratitude for birthday wishes she had received. Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was also in attendance with her husband, former President Joe Biden.
Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. His final resting place will be outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.
NEW Episode: The White House 1600 Sessions Podcast ‘Remembering President Lincoln: 160th Anniversary’
The White House Historical Association Wednesday released a special episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast recognizing the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
In the episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, is joined by Paul R. Tetreault, director of the historic Ford’s Theatre, for a tour of the building and an exploration of the events surrounding the assassination on April 14, 1865. McLaurin is then joined by Anthea M. Hartig, Ph.D., Elizabeth MacMillan, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, to explore historically significant objects in the museum’s archives preserved from that fateful night.
Ford’s Theatre operates as both a National Historic Site and a working theater with a mission of exploring President Lincoln’s legacy and celebrating the American experience through arts and education.
“It’s amazing to stand on this stage and visualize the performance taking place that evening … the president relaxed, enjoying a show nearing its end,” said McLaurin in the episode. “And then you hear that pop of the gun, and it had to stun this audience. Then you hear Mrs. Lincoln shout—I feel the emotion of it just standing here.”
Tetreault, who has served as the director of Ford’s Theatre since 2004, shares a detailed retelling of the events of the evening and President Lincoln’s final moments, putting into context a country that had just endured a long, divisive Civil War.
“Lincoln walks over to the box, he tips his hat and sits down. And think about it, he was lambasted for four years during the war. Here he is tonight, standing ovation, raucous crowd cheering him. He saved the Union, he brought the country together, and here he is, enjoying an evening in the theater,” said Tetreault in the episode. “And that’s what he remembers. He remembers that elation. And I like to take that and not think about sort of the horror that happened later that evening.”
McLaurin then visits with Anthea M. Hartig who leads the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. They discuss the importance of preserving historical items, including one of their popular artifacts on display: the top hat President Lincoln wore to Ford’s Theatre that April night.
“Lincoln memorabilia, especially around the assassination, was incredibly powerful,” said Hartig in the episode. “This is the history of how we remember what happened and how we pass that down throughout generations. It’s a true, humbling honor to take care and steward these materials for everyone.”
McLaurin and Hartig also look at a few unique objects in the museum’s archives from that night that are not on pubic display. Those items include the china cup the president last drank from at the White House before leaving for the theater, as well as the bloodied cuff of the young doctor who was the first to attend to President Lincoln on the scene.
The full video of this podcast episode is also available on the White House Historical Association’s YouTube channel here.
Calendar
April 28, 2025
White House History Live: The First Ladies
The White House Historical Association announced an upcoming virtual presentation on the first ladies and their countless contributions to U.S. history. Join Lisa Burns and Teri Finneman, editors of The Cambridge Companion to U.S. First Ladies, as they discuss the political, social, and cultural influence of first ladies from Martha to Melania. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. ET on April 28 and can be viewed on Facebook or YouTube. Read more
May 7, 2025
Sixth & I Politics and Prose: Isabel Allende In Conversation With Jill Biden
Bestselling author and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Isabel Allende will speak with former First Lady Jill Biden on May 7 to speak about Allende’s new book, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle.” The book is a historical novel about a young writer who journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father and herself. The event, held at 7 p.m., will take place both in-person at Sixth & I (600 I St NW Washington, DC) and online. Tickets start at $12 each
May 8, 2025
The White House Food History Symposium
The White House Historical Association in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is presenting the White House Food History Symposium on May 8. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET at the Historic Decatur House, the event will explore the evolution of food history, presidential and White House foodways, how White House staff and chefs have shaped presidential taste, and the role of food and wine in social diplomacy. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and reception. Guests will also receive a copy of the White House Historical Association’s latest publication, Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste.
May 9, 2025
Legacy Lecture: What Six Months Back Reveal About Melania Trump
Join Jennifer Taylor, editor and founder of East Wing Magazine, for a virtual lecture with the National First Ladies Library & Museum exploring the early days of Melania Trump’s return to the White House during the second Trump administration. On May 9 at noon EST, this in-depth discussion will explore how Trump has navigated her role as first lady this time around, the initiatives she has revived or introduced, changes in East Wing traditions and norms and the potential influence she may wield over the next four years. Tickets are $9.
May 14, 2025
Talk with a Curator
The National First Ladies Library & Museum’s Michelle Gullion, Senior Director of Curatorial Services, is hosting a virtual behind-the-scenes adventure into first ladies history. Join Gullion at 7 p.m. on May 14 for a lively and exclusive look behind the scenes of the National First Ladies Library & Museum. She will cover fascinating artifacts from the first ladies collection, the stories behind the historical treasures and how the team preserves and shares these unique pieces of history. Tickets are $9.
May 15, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: Nancy Reagan's Designer Secrets Unveiled!
The National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio is hosting an evening dedicated to First Lady Nancy Reagan’s style and sophistication. On May 15 at 6:30 p.m. EST, they’ll showcase six of Reagan's rarely displayed and absolutely breathtaking designer handbags from Yves Saint Laurent to Valentino. The iconic accessories tell the story of how one first lady made elegance her signature and a powerful political statement. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m.
May 19, 2025
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a thought-provoking discussion of The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon with author Heath Hardage Lee, which examines the life of one of America’s most private and enigmatic first ladies. Discover the real Pat Nixon, a woman of quiet strength, deep compassion, and progressive values who left a lasting impact on history. Read more
May 21, 2025
Tudor Place Celebrates Champion of Preservation at Annual Spring Garden Party
The Tudor Place Board of Trustees and Co-Chairs Charlotte Grassi Ramirez and Gwendolyn Lohse Assey announced its Spring Garden Party will be held on May 21. Each year, the Spring Garden Party recognizes an instrumental figure, who has been stalwart in the support of Tudor Place and the community who inspires others to engage with and support historic preservation.
This year’s event will honor Mrs. Beverly Jost, a passionate advocate for conserving Georgetown’s history, according to a news release. Mrs. Jost served with distinction on the Board of Trustees of Tudor Place for nine years, including three as president. Beverly has shared a profound respect for the past, working tirelessly for over 35 years promoting historic preservation and the beauty of Georgetown.
The Spring Garden Party celebrates Tudor Place’s ongoing commitment to historic preservation, conservation and dynamic educational programming. As the institution’s most important fundraiser of the year, proceeds account for more than 20% of annual operating revenue, the news release said.
For tickets and information, please visit the website.
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.