husband - Charlie Aufenthie

Melania Trump defended her legacy as first lady in a video released Monday, called on Americans to “lead by example” in taking care of others, and verified the name of her platform Be Best, which over time. years has never become an understandable political effort.

“Take every opportunity to show respect for another person,” Ms. Trump said in the video, which called the farewell. “In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador for Be Best. Focus on what unites us, rise above what divides us, always choosing love over hate, peace over violence and others above yourself.

Ms Trump’s last message as first lady was like many who came before her: it was completely at odds with the behavior of her husband, President Trump, who was impeached last week for the second time for his role in inciting a violent riot at the Capitol on January 6.

“As I bid farewell to my role as First Lady, I sincerely hope that every American will do their part to teach our children what it means to be the best,” Ms. Trump said.

Over the past few days, Ms. Trump has posted several farewell messages detailing her work in the White House and asking Americans to be kind to each other. Last week, as the nation turned away from the aftermath of the Capitol Riot, Ms Trump used her platform to lament that gossip was being spread about her – most likely a nod to a former assistant , Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who recently posted an Unflattering Saying. -all about their relationship.

Ultimately, Ms. Trump’s most lasting contributions could possibly be the cosmetic changes she oversaw, updates meant to make life in the White House more functional for the First Family and its visitors compared to. to the public.

In a message posted to the White House website on Monday, Ms. Trump said that during her time in the White House, she ordered an elevator restoration, wallpaper repair in the family dining room and – amid the pandemic – the renovation of the White House rose garden.

The goal, Ms. Trump said, was “to balance the needs of the present with the continuity of the overall architectural tradition of the White House.”

Although she has shown a respect for the historic nature of her home over the past four years, Ms. Trump has paid little attention to traditions that did not interest her.

She currently has no chief of staff, no social secretary or press officer. Junior White House assistants wrote his farewell messages. And she has not contacted incoming first lady Jill Biden on transition issues. This is not expected to change until the opening day.

It is customary for incoming and outgoing first ladies to meet for a tour of the White House, but on Monday, a person familiar with the thinking of Dr Biden said that since Mr Trump still had not conceded President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr It wouldn’t make sense for the two to meet.

This person added that Dr Biden knew his way anyway.

Julia Letlow, whose husband died of Covid-19 before being sworn in to Congress, will be running for the seat.

Julia Letlow, the wife of elected representative Luke Letlow, a Republican from Louisiana who died of complications from Covid-19 days before he was sworn in, will seek the open seat in an upcoming special election.

Ms. Letlow will run as a Republican to represent Louisiana’s Fifth District, which covers the conservative northeastern part of the state. Her husband died on December 29 at the age of 41 after suffering from “heart disease” while hospitalized with the virus. His death came just weeks after winning the seat vacated by his former boss, Representative Ralph Abraham.

“Everything in my life and in my marriage has prepared me for this moment,” Ms. Letlow wrote in a statement Thursday. “My motivation is the passion that Luke and I both shared: to improve this region we have called home and to leave it a better place for our children and future generations.

Mr Letlow, a longtime Republican aide, supported social distancing measures and the wearing of masks during his campaign, though photos from his social media accounts also showed him campaigning indoors without sometimes mask. He also advocated for the relaxation of some coronavirus restrictions when infections declined over the summer.

Ms. Letlow, who lives in Richland Parish, is currently Director of External Relations and Strategic Communications at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

His entry into the non-partisan election on March 20 was widely anticipated and could discourage other Republicans who had considered a race from entering the race.

She is likely to face Allen Guillory Sr., a Republican from Opelousas, who scored less than 10 percent in the November 3 election, and Sandra “Candy” Christophe, a Democrat from Alexandria who announced last week. that she would present herself.

Ms. Letlow has been active in Louisiana Republican politics for years and was selected for her academic work, in part, to provide “insight into strategies and alliances” that would be useful to the school in its interactions with elected officials. , according to his biography online. .

“I am running to continue the mission that Luke began – defending our Christian values, fighting for our rural farming communities and delivering real results to move our state forward,” she said in her statement.