11/11/2024

The Transition of Power

Every four to eight years, there is a transition of presidential power in the United States. The 2024 presidential election is over and on January 20, 2025 at exactly 12 noon, we will witness not only a presidential transition, but also the transition of the US first lady. It is a role with no rule book and no constitutional authority but with enormous opportunities.

FLARE welcomes returning First Lady Melania Trump to her historic role as the second non-concurrent first lady — following in the footsteps of the first — Francis Cleveland. FLARE extends its thanks to Dr. Jill Biden for her work as first lady. FLARE wishes both first ladies good health, good luck and acknowledges them for their unpaid service in this extraordinary role. 

In its continued mission of promoting research and education on the importance of US first ladies, FLARE continues to fulfill the challenge of President Harry S. Truman when he said:

“I hope someday someone will take the time to evaluate the true role of the wife of a President
and to assess the many burdens she has to bear and contributions she makes.”