Amid a report that she rarely visits the White House, Melania Trump hosted an event to unveil the new Barbara Bush postage stamp in the formal East Room on Thursday.
But former President George W. Bush was noticeably absent from the gathering to celebrate his mother, as was his younger brother, former Florida governor Jeb Bush.
Even though the ex-POTUS performed his ceremonial duties and showed up to Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20 — with facial expressions that went viral — there’s been long-simmering tensions between the Republican political dynasty and the polarizing MAGA leader.
Even Barbara Bush herself had some strong words for Trump back in 2016, when she told CNN she was “sick” of the president and the “terrible things” he’s said about women and the military.
However, two of the 43rd president’s other siblings, Neil Bush and Dorothy Bush Koch, were on hand for the event honoring their mom, who died in 2018 at the age of 92.
In unveiling the new stamp, Melania Trump — who attended Bush’s funeral while Donald Trump did not — praised the former first lady for how she “changed the national conversation on AIDS and took a stand supporting gay rights.”
“Mrs. Bush’s legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention,” Melania said in her remarks. She also spoke of the Bush matriarch’s “conviction [and] dignity,” as well as her efforts to champion female empowerment.
On behalf of the family, Bush Koch said: “This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush’s enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.”
The artwork of the commemorative Forever stamp is based on detail from Bush’s official White House portrait during her husband’s time as president. The stamp will officially be released on June 10 after a commemoration ceremony in Kennebunkport, Maine, where the Bush family’s summer home is located.
With News Wire Services
