There is a general consensus in the United States that Rosalynn Carter was a saint in life.
Once she left the White House, where as wife of President Jimmy Carter and first lady (January 1977, January 1981) she was always characterized by her cordially humane treatment of everyone, including the poor, her time was dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of society, inside and outside the country.
He died on November 19, at the age of 96. In her coffin, with her husband (99) as a witness, prostrate in a wheelchair, Rosalynn performed her first miracle this Tuesday at her farewell ceremony, held in a church in Atlanta.
His funeral brought together the four first ladies who survive him and among them was Melania Trump, who left her golden retirement and made a rare public appearance since Donald Trump lost the presidency to share tribute in the front row, surrounded by those to whom her husband insults, despises and promises to punish them if he becomes president again.
Among the speakers was journalist Judy Woodruff, who covered the information about the Carters, because the two were together, since in 1970 he was the Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia and then for the White House. “She would be happy to see that she has managed to have you all together on this day,” Woodruff stressed, in clear reference to that first row of guests. Although it is customary for first ladies to attend each other’s funerals, all traditions are susceptible to breaking in this time of confrontation.
Melania, wearing a gray coat, which made her stand out from the others, all in black, was sitting at one end, right next to Michelle Obama, with whom she apparently did not have a verbal exchange or a glance during the ceremony. Mrs. Obama was followed by Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, along with her husband Bill Clinton, Jill Biden and President Joe Biden. Closing that first row were the three Carter children (two boys) surrounding his father, who looked very fragile, undergoing palliative treatment at home, although he did not want to miss the farewell of the woman he married 77 years ago. years.
His only daughter, Amy Carter, took the stand and explained that since her father could not speak, she was going to read a letter that he sent to Rosalynn 75 years ago, while he was serving in the Navy. “Every time I see you I fall in love with you again,” she confessed.
In the midst of kind words, Melania also heard things that must have made her cramp up thinking about what her husband represents. Woodruff recalled that she last interviewed the Carters in 2021, celebrating seven and a half decades since her marriage. Biden was already in the White House and Rosalynn confessed to the journalist and friend of hers that she felt “relief” to have that president and not the previous one.
Despite her anti-establishment character, since the Trumps left the government residence without receiving the new tenants, without her sharing tea with Jill Biden, Melania assumed the most traditional role of first ladies on Tuesday and joined the club to honor Mrs. Carter.
One of his grandsons, Jason Carter, praised the gesture to the first ladies. “Thank you all for coming and recognizing this remarkable brotherhood that you share with my grandmother,” he said. Then he made a note that caused a burst of laughter: “Secretary Clinton, Dr. Biden, we also welcome her lovely husbands.”
Like Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, Melania was unaccompanied. Donald Trump was very busy at that time sending messages of threatening rhetoric from his social network. His wife has distanced herself and avoided the public eye since she left Washington through the back door in January 2021, although her husband is at the center of the storm in his fight to return to the White House.
She did attend in November 2022 when her husband announced that he was returning to the presidential race. However, until now she has not rejoined the numerous campaign events, nor has he been seen giving her support in her multiple court appearances. This arouses suspicion in the media, but those around her maintain that Melania continues to support her husband in the decision to try to be president again and is defensive against women who accuse her husband of abuse. sexual.
Mrs. Trump has chosen a different route than her predecessors, especially when compared to Rosalynn Carter and her numerous contributions to the disadvantaged and her fight for mental health care and access. Melania has basically taken shelter behind the doors of the Mar-a-Lago mansion, in the south of the state of Florida.
Some clients of the club claim that on occasions they have seen her join her husband for dinner and others say that she attended or visited charity galas held at that venue, together with the former president. In May she organized a luncheon for the anniversary of her initiative against cyberbullying of minors. In September she launched her online ornament collection (NFT). They say that Melania’s main concern is her son Barron, who graduates from high school next year.
During her time as first lady, when she was most active in the spotlight, she already participated in the 2018 funeral for Barbara Bush, wife and mother of presidents. On that occasion she was the only one who came alone, since the Bush (son), Clinton and Obama couples were there. That same year, this time as a couple, the Trumps attended the farewell of former President George H.W. Bush, who survived his wife Barbara by seven months.
In Atlanta, the four former first ladies kept very serious faces. Only when leaving the room, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama stopped to greet Garth Brooks, the country star, and his wife, the singer Trisha Yearwood, who had performed the song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. Melania Trump did the same. There were kisses and smiles. Her face relaxed, though only for a few seconds.
