In her memoir Melania, Melania Trump sharply criticized the White House’s decor under the Obama administration, calling the “existing style” outdated and not to her taste. She pointed out that the children’s bedrooms, which had been decorated for girls for over sixty years, needed significant changes, especially since her son Barron was the first young boy to live in the White House since John Kennedy Jr. Barron’s room became a top priority for Melania, emphasizing the importance of creating a space that suited his interests.

Melania also expressed frustration over the transition process. She revealed that the Trump family had been denied early access to the White House before the inauguration, which disrupted their preparations. This was a break from the customary tradition that allowed incoming families to visit the residence months before the inauguration. Melania described how “protocols and politics” interfered with her plans to start renovations early. She noted that the three-week delay, which occurred in December 2016, prevented her from taking measurements, gathering plans, and beginning renovations before Donald Trump’s swearing-in.

Despite the challenges, Melania was focused on ensuring a smooth transition for Barron. She acknowledged that relocating could be difficult, but her priority was creating stability for her son. In addition, Melania stated that she would split her time between Washington DC, New York, and Florida during her tenure as First Lady, balancing her role as a mother, wife, and First Lady while serving the country.

Melania’s candid comments about the White House and the Obamas highlighted both her personal taste and the difficulties of her transition into the role.