KEY POINTS
- Melania Trump broke tradition by not hosting incoming first lady Jill Biden for a tour of the White House, a report says
- Some Twitter users were disappointed with Trump's alleged snub of her successor
- Others recalled Michelle Obama inviting Trump to the White House for tea and a tour in 2016
Melania Trump is being criticized online for not inviting incoming first lady Jill Biden for a traditional pre-inauguration tour of the White House ahead of her and President Donald Trump's departure.
It has been a tradition for first ladies to invite the wife of the president-elect to the White House for a walk-through of the private living quarters on the second and third floors. However, Melania has not reached out to President-elect Joe Biden’s wife, becoming the first modern first lady to break the century-old transfer-of-power tradition, CNN reported.
A number of Twitter users took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the report, with some slamming the outgoing first lady's alleged snub of Jill.
Best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch tweeted, "You know, I was thinking about Melania today and how she is the embodiment of the good fortune that America can grant someone, anyone. And it is truly sickening that after being the beneficiary of all our country has to offer, she turns around and dishonors Jill Biden."
Some recalled Michelle Obama hosting Melania for tea and giving her a tour of the White House back in 2016.
"Michelle Obama graciously hosted Melania Trump at the White House immediately after 2016 election to ensure a smooth transition. Melania Trump has done absolutely nothing for Dr. Jill Biden. Some people are givers, others takers," Michael Beschloss, a historian specializing in the U.S. presidency, tweeted.
Some Twitter users pointed out that the incoming first lady does not really need a tour of the White House, while others suggested Obama could do the honors.
"Two and a Half Men" star Jon Cryer tweeted, "In Melania’s defense I’m pretty sure Dr. Biden already knows the White House pretty well."
"I don't really think Melania can be of much assistance to Jill...Jill has spent more time in the White House than Melania has," one Twitter user wrote.
"Michelle Obama should be invited back to the White House on Wednesday to welcome Dr. Jill Biden, and conduct the WH tour," a third user tweeted.
Others were disinterested in the reports of Melania's break with tradition.
"I find myself surprisingly unaffected—less than 2 weeks after an attack on the Capitol and an insurrection against our government—by the news that Melania Trump might not give Jill Biden a guided tour of her husband's crappy, schlocky drapery," journalist and best-selling author Seth Abramson tweeted. "Just focusing on the big stuff here."
"Oh no Melania isn't giving Jill Biden a ceremonial tour of the white house? What's next, Boris Johnson doesn't get his ticket to the Beefeater's Ball and can't slip a ruby sash over the ankle of the queen? just make sure the helicopter is fired up and get them the f--k to Orlando," comedian Moshe Kasher wrote.
Meanwhile, Melania also received love and support from fans as she prepares to leave the White House.
"Thank you Melania for all of your hard work & dedication to our children," one Twitter user wrote. "I am so sorry that you were never recognized or respected the way you deserved. I am so proud that you were our First Lady. Your grace and poise is inspiring. You will be missed. Wishing you all the best!"
Another wrote, "Your grace, your beauty, your intellect, makes you a class act."
First Lady Melania Trump is pictured during a meeting with Polish President's wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda (Unseen) at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw on July 6, 2017. - US President Donald Trump is on his first visit behind the former Iron Curtain. He is expected to focus largely on defence in talks with Baltic, Balkan and central European leaders. Photo: ANDRZEJ HULIMKA/AFP via Getty Images
