First Lady of the United States - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the title and role held by hostess of the White House and usually the wife of the president of the United States, during the president's term in office.

Jill Biden is the current first lady of the United States, in role since January 2021 as the wife of President Joe Biden.^[1]

Origins and role[change | change source]

The first lady is not elected by the people of the United States. There are no official jobs she is officially required to perform and she is not paid for being the first lady, but she is often involved in political campaigns, managements of the White House, participating in social causes and representing the president at official and ceremonial occasions and accompanying the president on foreign summits and events.

Office of the First Lady[change | change source]

The Office of the First Lady of the United States helps the first lady carry out her duties as the official hostess of the White House, and is also in charge of all social and ceremonial events of the White House.

The first lady has her own staff that includes a chief of staff, press secretary, White House Social Secretary, and Chief Floral Designer. The Office of the First Lady is located in the East Wing of the White House.

Causes and Initiatives[change | change source]

Since the 1920s, many first ladies have become public speakers, to promote public initiatives. A staff supports her agenda.

• Eleanor Roosevelt; Women's rights, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts
• Jacqueline Kennedy; White House restoration and the Arts
• Lady Bird Johnson; Environmental protection and beautification
• Pat Nixon; Philanthropy
• Betty Ford; Women's rights, Substance abuse
• Rosalynn Carter; Mental health
• Nancy Reagan; Just Say No, drug awareness
• Barbara Bush; Childhood literacy
• Hillary Clinton; Healthcare in the United States
• Laura Bush; Childhood literacy
• Michelle Obama; Let's Move!; reducing childhood obesity & Let Girls Learn; increasing education for girls
• Melania Trump; Be Best; cyberbullying awareness
• Jill Biden; Joining Forces; supporting military families and veterans

Fashion influence[change | change source]

Some first ladies have had an inspirational fashion style such as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Mary Todd Lincoln, Edith Roosevelt, Grace Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden.

List of living former first ladies of the United States[change | change source]

As of 2024, there are four living former first ladies.

List of first ladies of the United States[change | change source]

References[change | change source]