First Lady Melania Trump Wears Veil at Vatican to Show Respect

While her husband, President Donald J. Trump has been making headlines during his first overseas trip as president, First Lady Melania Trump has been making headlines as well.

During her husband’s first stop in Saudi Arabia, Mrs. Trump did not cover her head as is required of women who live in the country, a clear sign that she will not give in to the demands of Muslim culture.

While the First Lady did wear a long outfit that covered her arms and legs, her refusal to cover her head continues a long-standing tradition of First Ladies who would not follow the demands of Muslims in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, along with other Muslim nations, is known for its horrific treatment of women, and Melania’s decision to not cover her head is a classy and powerful message to the world.

Melania Trump veil

In contrast, during their trip to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican, Mrs. Trump chose to respect Vatican protocol, and donned a black veil and long-sleeved dress, a sign of respect to the leader of the Catholic Church.

Melania Trump veil

From BBC:

A quick glance at the Vatican website lays out some of the rules: modest dress, with your shoulders covered, for those attending a Papal Audience – especially if indoors.

“It goes from deep lace mantillas to just a black veil,” he explained. “When the Queen went to see the Pope when she was younger, she dressed up like the Spanish infanta.”

Traditionally, heads of states and their partners have chosen to wear black, with a notable exception – a Catholic queen is allowed to wear white.

Mrs Trump’s predecessors have all followed similarly strict rules. Michelle Obama chose to wear a veil on meeting Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, as did Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton on visiting the Vatican during their husbands’ presidencies.

Once again, Mrs. Trump shows that she is a truly classy First Lady who, by her outfits alone, can send a powerful message to the entire world as to how she feels about different cultures and religions treatment of its own people.

Do you agree that First Lady Melania Trump’s choice of outfits at the Vatican and in Saudi Arabia symbolize the class and important role she plays in this White House? Share your thoughts below! 

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