First lady Melania Trump drove with the guests she had invited to watch President Trump’s inaugural State of the Union address Tuesday, rather than riding with her husband’s motorcade the short distance from the White House to the Capitol building.
“In addition to holding a White House reception and photo opportunity for them, along with their friends and family, she is accompanying them to the Capitol,” the first lady’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, confirmed to the Washington Examiner, referring to the 15 guests who will join her in her box.
“Once there, the first lady and Mrs. Pence will host a more intimate meet-and-greet to engage with them on a personal level prior to the speech,” Grisham added.
The decision to travel to the event separately bucks traditions established under the presidencies of Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
The Trumps, however, are expected to return to the White House together, according to CNN.
The first couple have not been seen publicly since New Year’s Eve following reports President Trump had an extramarital affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels shortly after he married his wife.
