In an act of attempted diplomacy, Jill Biden extended what some say was a gesture of support to Melania Trump, who has been notably absent from traditional transition proceedings.

Melania Trump's decision to decline a customary meeting with the current first lady underscores ongoing rumors of lingering tensions as the transition process gets underway, as the Daily Mail reports. 

The Bidens and Donald Trump met at the White House this Wednesday, setting a scene of professional courtesy between the outgoing and incoming presidents.

The interaction, described as cordial, aimed to foster a peaceful transfer of power, despite Melania Trump's conspicuous absence from traditional first lady activities.

Jill Biden, in a move to smooth over transition processes, handed Donald Trump a personal letter addressed to Melania.

This letter, penned by Jill herself, congratulated Melania on the recent election results and offered help during the transition period, highlighting the importance of cooperation between administrations.

However, Melania declined Jill Biden's invitation for tea, which is traditionally extended by outgoing first ladies to their successors. Her office cited previous commitments centered on her memoir, Melania, as the reason for her absence.

Jill Biden's Letter Marks Tradition of Support

According to a statement from the East Wing, Jill Biden's letter was both congratulatory and supportive, emphasizing the readiness of her team to assist Melania Trump during this transitional phase.

This gesture follows a longstanding tradition aimed at maintaining continuity and civility between administrations.

During their last interaction at Rosalynn Carter's funeral in November of the previous year, the dynamics between Jill and Melania were reportedly distant. Since then, there has been no direct communication between the two, underscoring the strained relations.

The reluctance of Melania to engage in the traditional transition tea is not without precedent. She previously declined to extend a similar invitation in 2020, marking a continued departure from this informal yet symbolically significant practice.

Donald Trump's Return Sparks Mixed Reactions

While Melania focuses on her upcoming projects and potentially trimmed back role as first lady, her office has described Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office as "encouraging" and wished him success.

This statement came amid criticisms and misinformation from some media outlets, as pointed out by Melania's office, which urged the public to be discerning about their news sources.

Melania is said by some to be planning a part-time approach to her duties as first lady, which could include residing primarily in New York City while Barron, her son, attends college there. This arrangement is similar to her initial approach during Trump's first term when she delayed moving to Washington to allow Barron to finish his school year in New York.

The incoming first lady's approach to her role has been characterized by select public appearances and minimal participation in campaign activities, a stark contrast to traditional scenarios.

Historical Context and Future Expectations

The meeting between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, although brief, was set against the backdrop of historical portraits in the Oval Office, symbolizing the weight of presidential legacy. Joe Biden congratulated Trump and expressed his hopes for a "smooth transition," a sentiment reflecting the core of democratic values.

John Rogers, a notable figure from Goldman Sachs and a member of the White House Historical Association board, has been tapped to assist Melania with staffing for the East Wing. His involvement suggests a planned approach to Melania's second term as first lady, even as she limits her physical presence in the White House.

Looking forward, the Bidens have confirmed their planned attendance at Trump's inauguration in January 2025, signaling a continuation of formalities despite the personal distances evident in this transition. The peaceful transfer of power remains a cornerstone, regardless of the personal dynamics at play.