Hillary Clinton reveals why Melania Trump reminded her of a ‘little kid’ when they last met… and why she was left ‘conflicted’
Hillary Clinton described Melania Trump as a “little child” when she met the former first lady at Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service.
Trump, Clinton, Michelle ObamaLaura Bush, and First Lady Jill Biden in November 2023, put aside their differences to commemorate Rosalynn, a member of their exclusive club of presidential wives.
“Melania had a look on her face — very happy but uncertain — that reminded me of the little kid at the birthday party who doesn’t know anyone and waits at the edge of the circle, hoping people will be nice,” Clinton wrote of the encounter in her book “Something Lost, Something Gained.”
Melania Trump to lead Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton to Rosalynn Carter memorial service in November 2023
She revealed that she was unaware that Trump would join the other former first ladies in honoring Rosalynn.
“If anyone in the White House or Bill or my Secret Service knew about Mrs. Trump’s plan to attend, they didn’t tell me,” Clinton noted.
She described walking into the waiting room and seeing Melania Trump talking to Laura Bush.
She said all the politicians there were “nice” to Trump, while his husband was critical of them all.
“We all went to see her,” Clinton said of the group of former first ladies. President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton also attended the service and weighed in on the conversation. Former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama were invited but did not attend.
“Jill kissed her on the cheek and Michelle Obama gave her one of her signature big hugs,” Clinton wrote.
She added that Bill Clinton “tried to strike up a conversation, asked her how she was, but was met with a smile and few words. I reached out, shook her hand, and said, “Hi Melania, nice to see you.”
“I can imagine how uncomfortable it must have been, not knowing how she would be received after all the insults her husband hurled at us, the Bushes, Bidens, Obamas and Clintons,” Clinton added.
Clinton was on tour promoting her new book, which was released on Tuesday.
The first ladies to sit in the front row at the memorial service for Rosalynn Carter, Melania Trump sits next to Michelle Obama and in front of Kamala Harris
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In November 2023, Melania Trump made the surprising decision to participate in the ceremony. During the funeral service, Rosalynn Carter’s grandson Jason noted that it was important to his grandmother that the former first ladies show unity during difficult political times.
“Thank you all for coming and recognizing the special sisterhood you share with my grandmother,” he said.
“And thank you for your leadership of our country and the world.”
To loud laughter from the audience, he added, “Secretary Clinton and Dr. Biden, we also extend a warm welcome to your lovely husbands.”
It is customary for all living first ladies to attend the memorial service for their predecessor.
Melania Trump was in attendance Barbara Struik‘s funeral service in April 2018, along with her predecessors at the White House.
The memorial service marked a rare public appearance for Melania Trump, whose husband Donald Trump has been highly critical of Jimmy Carter’s time in the White House.
Donald Trump had announced at the time that he was running for another term in the White House.
She stood out from her colleagues.
Trump opted to wear a striking gray tweed coat, which she paired with black shoes and leather gloves, while the others wore all-black outfits.
She sat next to Michelle Obama during the service. And she sat directly in front of Vice President Kamala Harris.