Hillary Clinton described Melania Trump as looking like a little kid when she met up with the former first lady at Rosalynn Carters memorial service.
Trump, Clinton, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and current first lady Jill Biden put aside their differences in November 2023 to remember Rosalynn, a member of their exclusive club of presidential spouses.
Melania had a look on her face – very smiley but uncertain – that reminded me of the little kid at the birthday party who doesnt know anyone and is waiting at the edge of the circle, hoping people are going to be nice, Clinton wrote of the encounter in her book Something Lost, Something Gained.
Melania Trump leads Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton into Rosalynn Carters memorial service in November 2023
She revealed she hadnt known Trump was going to join the other former first ladies in honoring Rosalynn.
If anybody at the White House or on Bills or my Secret Service detail had been briefed on Mrs. Trumps plan to attend, they didnt tell me, Clinton noted.
She described how she walked into the waiting area and saw Melania Trump chatting with Laura Bush.
She said all the politicians there were all nice to Trump, whose husband had been critical of all of them.
We all went up to her, Clinton said of the group of former first ladies. President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton also attended the service and joined the conversation. Former presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama were invited but did not attend.
Jill air-kissed her cheek, and Michelle Obama gave her one of her signature big hugs, Clinton wrote.
She added that Bill Clinton tried to make conversation, asking her how she was, but he was met with a smile and few words. I reached out, shook her hand, and said, Hello, Melania, its nice to see you.
I can appreciate how awkward it must have been, not knowing what kind of reception she would get after all her husbands insults directed at us Bushes, Bidens, Obamas, and Clintons alike, Clinton added.
Clinton has been on a book tour to promote her new tome, which came out on Tuesday.
The first ladies seated in the front row at Rosalynn Carters service, Melania Trump is seated next to Michelle Obama and in front of Kamala Harris
In November 2023, Melania Trump made the surprise decision to join the ceremony. During the funeral service, Rosalynn Carters grandson Jason noted it was important to his grandmother that the former first ladies show their unity in the troubled political times.
Thank you all for coming and acknowledging this remarkable sisterhood you share with my grandmother, he said.
And thank you all for your leadership you provided for our country and the world.
Drawing laughter from the audience he added: Secretary Clinton and Dr Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands.
Its traditional for all living first ladies to attend the memorial service for a predecessor.
Melania Trump attended Barbara Bushs funeral service in April 2018 along with her predecessors in the White House.
The memorial service was a rare public appearance from Melania Trump, whose husband Donald Trump had been highly critical of Jimmy Carters time in office.
At the time, Donald Trump had announced he was seeking another term in the White House.
She stood out from her counterparts.
Trump opted to wear a distinctive gray tweed coat, which she teamed with black shoes and leather gloves, while the others donned muted all-black ensembles.
She sat next to Michelle Obama at the service. And she sat directly in front of Vice President Kamala Harris.