First Lady of the United States
The first lady of the United States, abbreviated to as (FLOTUS) is the title and role held by hostess of the White House and usually the wife of the president of the United States, during the president's term in office.
First Lady of the United States | |
---|---|
Style |
|
Residence | White House |
Inaugural holder | Martha Washington |
Formation | April 30, 1789 |
Website | https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/dr-jill-biden/ |
Jill Biden is the current first lady of the United States, in role since January 2021 as the wife of President Joe Biden.
Origins and roleEdit
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, but she is often involved in political campaigns, managements of the White House, participating in social causes and representing the president at official and ceremonial occasions and accompanying the president on foreign summits and events.
Office of the First LadyEdit
The Office of the First Lady of the United States helps the first lady carry out her duties as the official hostess of the White House, and 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 InitiativesEdit
Since the 1920's, 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 influenceEdit
Some first ladies have had an inspirational fashion style such as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Mary Todd Lincoln, 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 ladiesEdit
As of 2023, there are five living former first ladies.
# | First Lady | Served | Born | President | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
39 | Rosalynn Carter | 1977–1981 | 1927 (age 95) |
Jimmy Carter | |
42 | Hillary Clinton | 1993–2001 | 1947 (age 75) |
Bill Clinton | |
43 | Laura Bush | 2001–2009 | 1946 (age 76) |
George W. Bush | |
44 | Michelle Obama | 2009–2017 | 1964 (age 59) |
Barack Obama | |
45 | Melania Trump | 2017–2021 | 1970 (age 52) |
Donald Trump |