First Lady of the United States

First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the title and role held by the hostess of the White House. This is usually the wife of the president of the United States, during the president's term in office.

Melania Trump is the current first lady of the United States, in role since January 2025 as the wife of President Donald Trump.

 First Lady Designate 
The first lady-designate is the wife of the president-elect of the United States. The president-elect was the candidate who won the presidential election, but is awaiting the inauguration to become president. The first-lady designate is also awaiting the inauguration to become the first lady.

The term corresponds to the term "incoming first lady", used for those wives of president-elects for the same period between their election and inauguration. Incumbent first ladies whose husbands have won re-election for a second term are not referred to as first-lady designate, as they are already hold the role and are not waiting to become first lady.

 Origins and role 
The first lady is not elected by the people of the United States. There are no official jobs she is officially required to perform and she is not paid for being the first lady. The first lady is often involved in political campaigns and managements of the White House and participate in social causes. They also represent the president at official and ceremonial occasions and accompany the president on foreign summits and events.

 Office of the First Lady 
The Office of the First Lady helps the first lady carry out her duties as the official hostess of the White House. She is also in charge of all social and ceremonial events of the White House. The first lady has her own staff that includes a chief of staff, press secretary, White House Social Secretary, and Chief Floral Designer. The Office of the First Lady is located in the East Wing of the White House.

 Causes and initiatives 
Since the 1920s, many first ladies have become public speakers, to promote public initiatives. A staff supports her agenda.
 Eleanor Roosevelt; Women's rights, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts
 Jacqueline Kennedy; White House restoration and the Arts
 Lady Bird Johnson; Environmental protection and beautification
 Pat Nixon; Philanthropy
 Betty Ford; Women's rights, Substance abuse
 Rosalynn Carter; Mental health
 Nancy Reagan; Just Say No, drug awareness
 Barbara Bush; Childhood literacy
 Hillary Clinton; Healthcare in the United States
 Laura Bush; Childhood literacy
 Michelle Obama; Let's Move!; reducing childhood obesity & Let Girls Learn; increasing education for girls
 Melania Trump; Be Best; cyberbullying awareness
 Jill Biden; Joining Forces; supporting military families and veterans

 Fashion influence 
Some first ladies have had an influential fashion style such as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Mary Todd Lincoln, Edith Roosevelt, Grace Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden.

List of living former first ladies
There are four living former first ladies.

 List of first ladies 

 References 

Category:Politics of the United States