Just a few days ago, President Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Honor upon former Secretary of State, former presidential candidate, and former First Lady Hilary Clinton. It was a poignant moment for those who have followed her career over the years – I was a massive Hillary supporter in the 2016 campaign, although I have to insert the caveat that I really feel like the entire Democratic Party missed the boat by not putting forth Bernie as the nominee. 

Clinton posted a photo to instagram in line with the “how it went/how it’s going” meme, in which she poses wearing her medal in front of an old portrait of herself. It made me sad, and nostalgic, but it also reminded me that first ladies – alas, we have yet to see a first gentleman…they matter. They have the opportunity to create tremendous change on the domestic and international stage. 

Abigail Adams advocated for women’s rights, famously urging her husband to “remember the ladies” when he was drafting new laws.

Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role into a platform for activism, championing civil rights, women’s rights, and the impoverished. 

Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter advocated for substance abuse and mental health awareness. Hilary Clinton worked on healthcare reform and women’s rights advocacy. Michelle Obama famously championed health initiatives to combat childhood obesity and supported educational efforts targeted at young girls. Most recently, Jill Biden continued her work in education while advocating for military families and cancer research.

So. Now that Donald Trump’s second presidency is terrifyingly imminent, it raises the question: WWMD? What will Melania do? 

The central focus of Melania Trump’s first term was characterized by the “Be Best” initiative, which advocated for children’s well-being in a way that was roundly criticized for being based more in style than in substance. She avoided controversy – and her husband, generally – and spent the bulk of her time raising her son, Barron, in New York City. 

Which, fine! You do you, girl. But what irks me – ok, infuriates me – is that she’s visibly, obviously, almost laughably disinterested in taking an actual stand on virtually any topic more controversial than “let’s support the kids.” Which, again, would be completely fine, as she clearly never intended to engage in a life of public service when she married He of the Gold Toilets – except in this case, her silence speaks volumes. And what it says is that she’s A-OK with being used as symbolic support for her husband’s agenda, because that’s exactly what’s happening. Right-wingers love this beautiful, silent immigrant. Who they would not want to be allowed into this country if her last name weren’t Trump. 

According to the Washington Post’s Mary Jordan, Melania’s first-term apathy was borne of surprise: She was so shocked by her husband’s initial win that she wasn’t especially prepared to take on the role of First Lady. Now, however, she is, quote, “telling people she’s more confident about stepping back in January, and says she wants to use the role to support children and their health and well-being.” 

Okay. 

I’ve spoken before about the bizarre take on feminism being put forth by the MAGA contingent, but perhaps Melania Trump is a perfect symbol of precisely the kind of woman they want to see: Someone who may appear to harbor opinions, but upon closer examination is really just a beautiful smoke-and-mirror show. 

I want to feel bad for her. I wish I liked her. I don’t. I don’t. She is the very definition of the word “complicit,” and it saddens me to see her rise – again – to the role of First Lady of the United States of America.