Melania Trump to Unveil Barbara Bush Stamp at White House Ceremony

Former First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to make a relatively uncommon public appearance at the White House on May 8 to preside over the unveiling of a new commemorative stamp honoring the late former First Lady Barbara Bush.

The ceremony will provide the public with their initial glimpse of the United States Postal Service’s tribute to Barbara Bush, the wife of the late former President George H.W. Bush. Barbara Bush passed away in April 2018, followed by her husband seven months later, in November of the same year.

The event, slated for Thursday, marks one of the few occasions Melania Trump has visited the White House since her husband, President Donald Trump, commenced his second term in office in January. The significance of this appearance is heightened by the often-strained relationship between the Trump and Bush families, making this gesture of respect all the more notable.

According to a press release from the White House, Melania Trump will be joined by officials from the United States Postal Service and the George and Barbara Bush Foundation. Also expected to attend are friends and family members of the Bush family, including Barbara and George Bush’s daughter, Doro Bush. However, former President George W. Bush is not anticipated to be present at the event.

The relationship between the Trump and Bush families has been characterized by periods of tension and occasional public disagreements. There have been instances of veiled criticisms and a deliberate distancing from President Trump and the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement by members of the Bush family. Notably, the late First Lady Barbara Bush reportedly expressed unfavorable opinions about President Trump, referring to him as a "symbol of greed," as detailed in Susan Page’s 2019 biography of the Republican matriarch, published by USA TODAY.

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the East Room of the White House. C-SPAN is slated to broadcast the event live, allowing a wider audience to witness the unveiling and the tributes to Barbara Bush’s legacy.

The choice of Melania Trump to lead this tribute is particularly interesting given the historical context. While both women served as First Lady, their public personas and approaches to the role differed significantly. Melania Trump maintained a relatively low profile during her time in the White House, focusing on specific initiatives like her "Be Best" campaign, while Barbara Bush was known for her more outspoken nature and her commitment to literacy.

This event serves as a reminder of Barbara Bush’s enduring impact on American society. Beyond her role as First Lady, she was a dedicated advocate for literacy, establishing the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to promote reading and education among children and families. Her work in this area has had a lasting positive effect on countless lives, and the commemorative stamp will further solidify her legacy as a champion of literacy.

The presence of Doro Bush and other members of the Bush family underscores the importance of this event as a tribute to the entire Bush family legacy of public service. George H.W. Bush’s presidency was marked by a commitment to international cooperation and a focus on domestic policy issues such as education and environmental protection. The unveiling ceremony will undoubtedly serve as an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of both George and Barbara Bush to American society.

The absence of former President George W. Bush is notable, but the presence of his sister, Doro Bush, ensures that the family will be well represented at the event. It is possible that George W. Bush’s absence is due to scheduling conflicts or other personal reasons.

The decision by the U.S. Postal Service to honor Barbara Bush with a commemorative stamp reflects her significant contributions to American life. Stamps serve as miniature historical markers, and this stamp will ensure that future generations remember Barbara Bush’s dedication to literacy and her role as a prominent figure in American political history.

The unveiling ceremony is expected to be a dignified and respectful tribute to Barbara Bush, regardless of the past tensions between the Trump and Bush families. It represents an opportunity for unity and a recognition of the importance of honoring those who have served the country.

The event will be closely watched by political observers and the general public alike, as it offers a rare glimpse into Melania Trump’s current activities and her relationship with the legacy of former First Ladies. It also provides a moment to reflect on the evolving role of the First Lady in American society and the enduring impact of Barbara Bush’s legacy.

Contributing to this report are Francesca Chambers and Joey Garrison of USA TODAY, and Kinsey Crowley of the USA TODAY network. Kathryn Palmer, a trending news reporter for USA TODAY, can be reached at [email protected] and on X @KathrynPlmr.