In her latest book, “Something Lost, Something Gained,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offers a personal glimpse into her initial interaction with Melania Trump. The encounter took place at a memorial service for Rosalynn Carter last year, and Clinton’s description of Mrs. Trump’s demeanor is both revealing and poignant.
Clinton portrays Melania Trump as standing alone, hesitant to join a group of former first ladies. Sensing her apprehension, Clinton reassured her that the group was welcoming. “We all went up to her,” Clinton wrote, as reported by The Hill. “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 describes Jill Biden air-kissing Melania’s cheek, while Michelle Obama gave her a big hug.
Beyond this initial encounter, Clinton also delves into her observations of Melania Trump’s role within her husband’s administration. She expresses bewilderment at Melania Trump’s complicity in her husband’s controversial actions, particularly pointing to the contentious jacket Melania wore during a visit to a migrant child detention center in Texas in 2018. Clinton asks, “Was she quietly complicit in his bigotry and hate-mongering?” She concludes by stating, “As for Melania Trump, I’ll stick to my own edict of not passing judgement on another woman’s appearance. We get too much of that already.”
Clinton also shares a memory of attending Donald Trump’s 2005 wedding to Melania at Mar-a-Lago. “I was going to be in Florida anyway and thought it would be entertaining to see what a Donald Trump wedding was like. It was the first time I met Melania, and I just remember that she was young, very beautiful, and very tall.”
Clinton’s book release comes amidst a whirlwind of events involving the Trumps. Melania Trump recently announced her own memoir, “Melania,” promising unseen photos and revelations. Additionally, Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at his Florida golf club. Melania Trump has publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding a previous attack on her husband, stating, “There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth.”
Clinton’s book, “Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty,” was released on Tuesday and offers a unique perspective on her interactions with the former First Lady.
