Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Brynn Anderson-Pool
A TikTok user recently sparked controversy by claiming that Michelle Obama and other former first ladies are “jealous” of Melania Trump. This accusation followed the funeral of Rosalynn Carter, where Trump stood out in a light gray coat amid a sea of black attire. The memorial service, held in Atlanta on November 28, brought together high-profile mourners, including Former President Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and past first ladies. Trump’s outfit choice quickly became a topic of online discussion.
TikTok user @republicanlatina03 shared her thoughts in a video, declaring, “[They’re] just jealous of Melania Trump and this just proves that the jealousy continues.” She showed a photo of Trump walking ahead of Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, adding, “That’s why they hate her because they can’t be her. You hate what you cannot be. Melania Trump… is beautiful as always, super gorgeous.” The user also pointed out a photo where sunlight fell on Trump, claiming, “From all the darkness in the room, the only one who had that light was Melania Trump.” She interpreted this as a sign, saying, “Light is the truth and it’s a hope.”
These comments ignited a debate online. Some supported the claim, while others highlighted the accomplishments of other first ladies. TikTok user @mrsjean01 countered, “Michelle Obama? Michelle Obama is probably the most decorated first lady ever… She is the forever first lady and you think that she is jealous of Melania?” She emphasized Michelle Obama’s education, stating, “Michelle Obama graduated from Harvard Law School. She got her PhD. She got her doctorate.” In contrast, she questioned, “What Melania Trump got? Not a damn thing!”
@republicanlatina03 also criticized Melania’s attire for the funeral, saying, “No, she’s the idiot—the only person in there that didn’t wear black that is clearly supposed to be worn, is the preferred color when you’re going to a… funeral.” This isn’t the first time Trump has faced controversy. In 2016, she was accused of plagiarizing parts of Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech at the Republican National Convention, with a Trump campaign staff writer later taking responsibility for the mistake.
Liberal journalists also weighed in on Melania Trump wearing a black and white coat to Rosalynn Carter’s funeral. Fox News host Jesse Watters defended Melania’s outfit choice by showing photos of other first ladies wearing non-black attire at past funerals. However, Newsweek noted that in those cases, the women wore black underneath their coats.
Interestingly, Obama has spoken about her relationship with Trump in the past. In her memoir, “Becoming,” Obama wrote that she offered help to Trump, just as Bush had done for her. When asked if Trump had reached out, Obama simply replied, “No, she hasn’t.”
In response, Trump’s communications director, Stephanie Grisham, stated, “Mrs. Trump is a strong and independent woman who has been navigating her role as First Lady in her own way. When she needs advice on any issue, she seeks it from her professional team within the White House,” according to CNN. Since the 2016 election, the two women have met in person only three times: a tea invitation at the White House, Inauguration Day, and Barbara Bush’s memorial service.
