Hillary Clinton Reflects on Awkward Encounter with Melania Trump at Rosalynn Carter’s Memorial

Hillary Clinton recently shared her thoughts on former First Lady Melania Trump during their meeting at the memorial service for Rosalynn Carter. In her new book Something Lost, Something Gained, Clinton recounts her face-to-face encounter with Melania, describing her as appearing like a “little kid.”

In an excerpt published by USA Today, Clinton writes, “Rosalynn’s grandson Jason said it had been her wish that all the First Ladies would come together for her memorial in a show of unity in these divisive times.” Clinton was unaware that Melania Trump would attend the service, adding, “If anybody at the White House or on Bill’s or my Secret Service detail had been briefed on Mrs. Trump’s plan to attend, they didn’t tell me.”

When Melania arrived, Clinton recalled, “Now, here she was, standing alone as Laura [Bush], who’d looked to be chatting with Melania when the rest of us walked in, stepped away to say her hellos. Melania had a look on her face—very smiley but uncertain—that reminded me of the little kid at the birthday party who doesn’t know anyone and is waiting at the edge of the circle, hoping people are going to be nice.”

Clinton described how the former First Ladies, including Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and herself, made an effort to welcome Melania. “Jill air-kissed her cheek, and Michelle Obama gave her one of her signature big hugs,” Clinton wrote. She also noted how her husband, former President Bill Clinton, tried to engage Melania in conversation but was met with only a polite smile and few words. Clinton recalled shaking Melania’s hand and saying, “Hello, Melania, it’s nice to see you.”

Melania Trump’s appearance at the November 2023 memorial was notable, as she has largely avoided public events since her time as First Lady. She stood out by wearing a grey outfit, defying the traditional all-black dress code, according to The New York Times. Despite the awkwardness, Clinton praised Melania’s decision to attend, acknowledging how difficult it must have been given Donald Trump’s frequent attacks on the Bush, Biden, Obama, and Clinton families.

Donald Trump has a history of publicly insulting his predecessors and their families, often dragging them into political disputes. While Melania has never echoed her husband’s inflammatory rhetoric, Clinton offered a nuanced reflection in her book, writing, “On a gut level, I have never believed that a wife bears responsibility for the actions of her husband.”

However, she questioned whether Melania was “quietly complicit in his bigotry and hate-mongering.” Clinton’s remarks provide a rare glimpse into the strained dynamics between the former First Families, highlighting both the awkwardness and moments of unity during a solemn occasion.