What does a First Lady do, who is Melania Trump and why was Donald’s daughter Ivanka rumoured to be taking the role? All you need to know
IVANKA Trump could fill in as First Lady when the President's wife Melania is in New York.
Melania has said she is planning to stay on in the city so her son Barron can finish his final year at a prestigious primary school.
And this has sparked speculation that Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka may step in for some of Melania’s duties in Washington.
What is a First Lady?
It is the unofficial title given to the wife or female relative of the current American president.
First Ladies Of The United States (FLOTUS) have been recognised as a symbol of US womanhood.
They have always played a prominent role in the political and social life of America dating back to the 18th Century.
Who was the first First Lady?
President Zachary Taylor first used the term in 1849 to describe Dolley Madison, the wife of President James Madison, at her state funeral.
She had been a very public partner to James and President Taylor hailed her "the first lady of the land for half a century."
It was the first time a president's spouse had been referred to as a "first lady".
However, the term did not become an official title until the 1860s when newspaper started to use it for Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of Abraham Lincoln.
What does a First Lady do?
The position is not elected and is usually filled by the wife or relative of the President.
Although the role has never been officially defined, traditionally she served as the hostess and was in charge of domestic chores.
However, the position has grown over the years to campaigners, policy advocates and social activists.
Does the First Lady get paid?
No. However, she does have paid staff to help her but most first ladies champion a cause.
Michelle Obama campaigned for healthy food for school children.
Wife to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, became a role model to many Americans.
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