Melania Trump breaks first lady protocol with unprecedented act, sparking backlash

In an unprecedented moment, America’s First Lady broke centuries of tradition by taking part in a presidential duty reserved solely for elected officials. What began as a routine Rose Garden bill signing quickly turned into a constitutional flashpoint, sparking nationwide debate about executive power and the role of unelected figures in government.On May 19, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump made history by adding her signature to the Take It Down Act, after President Donald Trump signed it into law. The president, smiling, urged her on: “C’mon, sign it anyway. She deserves to sign it.” The crowd looked on as both names appeared on the document.