President-elect Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley Biden said on Tuesday that it is “unfortunate” that First Lady Melania Trump did not start a tour of the White House for her mother, First Lady Jill Biden.
“No, I don’t think they’re following the traditional protocol, which is unfortunate, but I think we’re all fine with that,” said Ashley Biden to NBC’s “Today”.
The “tea and stroll” is a tradition for the First Lady’s departure to familiarize her successor with life at the White House.
MELANIA TRUMP DISCLOSES FAREWELL MESSAGE: ‘IT WAS THE GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE’
In another break with the longstanding tradition, the Trumps will not be present in Biden’s possession on Wednesday. The outgoing president and first lady usually attend the event to symbolize the peaceful transfer of power.
First Lady Melania Trump stands next to the official White House 2020 Christmas tree as it appears in the White House’s North Portico, Monday, November 23, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
President Trump is due to travel to his resort in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on the morning of his inauguration, where he is expected to reside after his presidency, Fox News learned.
First Lady Melania Trump reflected on her four years at the White House during a farewell speech to the American people on Monday.
In a nearly seven-minute video message, Trump thanked the military, police, caregivers and others who had inspired her since she joined the White House in 2017. She highlighted her work, including her leadership role in the “Be Best” campaign, who sought to address cyberbullying, opioid abuse and other challenges facing America’s children.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“It was the greatest honor of my life to serve as the first lady of the United States,” Trump said in the video message. “I was inspired by incredible Americans across our country, who elevate our communities through their kindness and courage, kindness and grace.”
Fox News’ White House inquiry was not returned.
Thomas Barrabi and Brooke Singman of FOX Business contributed to this report.