Melania Hosted the Trumps' First Black Tie Ball at the White House Last Night, but Donald Stole the Show
The First Lady's debut as social host was overshadowed by gaffes and political bluster.
While the rest of us were watching the Oscars, Melania Trump was hosting the black-tie Governors Ball, the White House's first social event of the year. And despite the fact that she made a concerted effort to keep politics out of the spotlight, the president had other plans.
Melania chose "Spring Renewal" as the theme for the evening, and in a statement before the ball, she said, "Tonight, we come together as one nation, leaving political labels and partisan interests behind."
That message was undercut when the President Trump tweeted shortly after the statement's release that there was "much to be discussed, including healthcare" at the soirée. And that's exactly what POTUS did: During his speech, he said that his administration had achieved "almost everything we've started out to accomplish—the borders are stricter, tighter" and went on to say "[Obamacare] doesn't work."
He also bragged about the crowd size at the ball, claiming the 46 assembled governors amounted to a record, and joked with the holders of each state's highest office about "what easy jobs [they] have."
But perhaps the most notable moment came when Trump greeted his guests, welcoming the governors and their "wives" and "daughters." The president was immediately flogged on Twitter for seeming to forget that women are governors too:
Trump says, "Thank you to the governors...and their wives and daughters..." are there no female governors???February 27, 2017
@realDonaldTrump @POTUS Not all the governors are men Mr President. Why only mention wives and daughters. What about husbands and sons?February 27, 2017
The Governors Ball traditionally marks the first lady's debut as the social host of the White House. Melania, who has spent little time in Washington, has appeared to shun most of the typical duties of the first lady, the Washington Post reported. But White House press secretary Sean Spicer said earlier this week that the first lady "has put a lot of time into this event."
Watch Trump's opening remarks here:
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
The Cast of 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Proved Just How Quickly They Bonded This Season
Alyah Chanelle Scott, Pauline Chalamet, Gracie Lawrence, and Mia Rodgers play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William's Decision to "Take the Lead" Is a "Relief" For King Charles, Royal Expert Explains
"We have had a glimpse of the future..."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Buckingham Palace Responds After Royal Family Maid Is Arrested at "Out of Control" Christmas Party
"I've never seen one person get that crazy during a night out," a source claimed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Last updated
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich Published
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth Published
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast Published
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan Published
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein Published