Melania Trump initially faced scrutiny in March during a public speech when she did not address the looming Covid-19 crisis at the time. However, it can be said that she has surpassed that stage after her office released many videos both to encourage the public and share scientific recommendations to stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Melania Trump: Experts analyze her media presence amid a global pandemic
The first lady was seen in several videos where she addressed parents, children, senior citizens, and essential workers while the United States had federal social distancing guidelines in place. First ladies have been expected to make these kinds of efforts amid any crisis. Experts, however, are also commending Mrs. Trump for regularly sharing factual pieces of advice on how Americans can stay safe and help slow down the spread of the virus.
Mrs. Trump was the first person from the White House to share a public photo of her wearing a face mask. She also released a video to encourage people to use face coverings when going in public places where social distancing within six feet is hard to maintain.
All these efforts, experts say, have allowed Mrs. Trump to show her capabilities as a first lady. Katherine Jellison, history professor and expert on American first ladies, told the Washington Post, “I think she’s an intelligent person and that she’s focused on getting a fact-based message out there consistently is probably a very good sign.” Videos of the first lady that were released concerning the Covid-19 crisis almost always bears the logo of CDC and website links where people can find health and safety guidelines.
Melania Trump gets regular Covid-19 briefing from medical experts
Mrs. Trump’s chief of staff and spokesperson Stephanie Grisham confirms this to be the case. Grisham told the publication that the first lady does get regular briefings from medical experts on the latest Covid-19 updates. Meanwhile, media studies professor Lisa M. Burns also commented it is a good thing that Mrs. Trump is sharing online posts from the CDC most of the time, instead of retweeting Donald Trump’s posts.
It was recently reported that Mrs. Trump is also the main proponent of maintaining strict safety guidelines within the White House since early April. The first lady purportedly asked non-essential White House staff to stay at home while those that still work are required to have their body temperatures always checked and to wear face masks constantly.