Two Coats, Two Very Different First Ladies

We all remember the fuss over Melania Trump’s green $39 Zara jacket that she wore on her visit to the New Hope Children’s Shelter in McAllen, Texas, on June 21, 2018. On the back, easily captured by photographers as she boarded Air Force One, it read, “I don’t really care, do you?” She was going to visit children, including some separated from their parents by her husband’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration. When asked why she wore it, she declared it was “just a jacket.” So much for Melania’s “Be Best” campaign. The words on her jacket summed up the entire Trump presidency.

A new administration ushered in a first lady wearing a much different coat at her husband’s inauguration. Jill Biden’s white coat-dress that she wore for the evening festivities reflected the hope for unity that is the core value of Joe Biden’s presidency. The coat featured embroidered flowers representing every state and territory. The dress under the coat also featured the embroidered state flowers, with the Delaware state flower positioned above her heart. Embroidered into the lining of Dr. Biden’s coat was a quote from Benjamin Franklin that reflected her philosophy as an educator: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

These two very different coats reflect the values of two very different presidents. Jill Biden’s tells us she really does care, and so does President Biden.

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