Top 5 First Ladies in USA History: A Historian’s Perspective in 2024

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Johnny Punish
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Lately, Silly TrumpBots on X are posting that MELANIA TRUMP is the greatest first lady ever! But is she? That seems way off and motivated by a very emotional partisan electorate who openly engages in hero-worship of their Trump Messiah.

They often cite how pretty Melania is and can’t seem to actually cite anything she has unselfishly done to inspire and help actual citizens. It is really interesting to see the lengths they will go to justify their fealty to Herr Trump.  But there it is…. out in the open!

But where does Melania really rank under the actual weight of history?

Melania Trump ranks as the sexiest hottest chick who served as First Lady! She is a Slovenian-American former model who served as the first lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021 as the wife of President Donald Trump. She is the first naturalized citizen to become first lady and the second foreign-born first lady after Louisa Adams.

Fact! Pretty is a nice virtue for VOGUE models and young ladies seeking partners in the love game! I definitely can go with that 100%! Hey, what young man does NOT like hot chicks? It’s kinda of in our DNA profile, isn’t it?  But “pretty” is not a virtue when it comes to leadership of the nation! That’s something completely different.

In fact, every serious historian in the USA cites ELEANOR ROOSEVELT as USA’s TOP FIRST LADY in history! She’s often on every list as #1. If you don’t know why that’s true, well, you have lots of homework to do!

But who are the real TOP 5 First Ladies in USA History?

The role of the First Lady of the United States is one that combines tradition, diplomacy, advocacy, and public service. Over the years, the nation has been fortunate to have remarkable women serve in this esteemed position, each leaving her own unique mark on history. Historians, through careful analysis of their contributions, have ranked these First Ladies based on their impact, influence, and legacy. I have read their reports and put together a combined consensus for you here in 2024

Here are the top five First Ladies in U.S. history as rated by historians:

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visiting United States troops in the South Pacific, 1943

1. Eleanor Roosevelt (1933-1945)

Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is often regarded as the most influential First Lady in American history. She redefined the role by actively engaging in politics, championing human rights, and advocating for social reform. Roosevelt held press conferences, wrote a newspaper column, and traveled extensively, becoming a voice for the marginalized and oppressed. Her efforts led to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, solidifying her legacy as a champion of justice and equality.

Abigail Adams was the wife and closest advisor of John Adams, the second president of the United States, and the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States.

2. Abigail Adams (1797-1801)

Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams, played a significant role in shaping the early years of the United States. Known for her intelligence and strong opinions, Adams was her husband’s trusted advisor, offering political insight and counsel. She advocated for women’s rights and education, famously urging her husband to “remember the ladies” when drafting the nation’s laws. Adams’s letters provide invaluable insights into the political and social landscape of her time, earning her a place among the most influential First Ladies in history.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Kennedy Onassis was an American writer, book editor, and socialite who served as the first lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of President John F. Kennedy.

3. Jacqueline Kennedy (1961-1963)

Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of President John F. Kennedy, captivated the nation with her grace, style, and intelligence. As First Lady, she brought a sense of elegance and sophistication to the White House, hosting cultural events and promoting the arts. Kennedy’s restoration of the White House and her efforts to preserve historic landmarks earned her widespread praise. Her poise and resilience in the face of tragedy following her husband’s assassination solidified her place as one of the most beloved First Ladies in American memory.

Dolley Todd Madison was the wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. She was noted for holding Washington social functions in which she invited members of both political parties, essentially spearheading the concept of bipartisan cooperation.

4. Dolley Madison (1809-1817)

Dolley Madison, the wife of President James Madison, is remembered for her charm, wit, and hospitality. As First Lady, she played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape of Washington, D.C. Madison’s renowned social gatherings, known as “Wednesday night squeezes,” brought together politicians, diplomats, and intellectuals, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie. During the War of 1812, she famously saved valuable documents and artifacts from the White House before it was burned by British forces, earning her admiration and respect from her contemporaries.

First Lady Michelle Obama poses with the 2014 White House Christmas ornament in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 3, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) – Michelle LaVaughn Obama is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, being married to former president Barack Obama. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

5. Michelle Obama (2009-2017)

Michelle Obama, the wife of President Barack Obama, brought a message of hope, inclusivity, and empowerment to the White House. As First Lady, she launched several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families, including Let’s Move!, which focused on combating childhood obesity, and Let Girls Learn, which promoted girls’ education worldwide. Obama’s grace, intelligence, and advocacy for social causes made her a role model for millions of Americans, solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential First Ladies of the modern era.

While these five First Ladies stand out for their remarkable contributions to American society, it’s important to recognize that each woman who has served in this role has left her own unique imprint on history. From Martha Washington to Jill Biden, the legacy of the First Ladies continues to inspire and shape the nation for generations to come.

RUNNERS UP: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rosalynn Carter, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Edith Roosevelt, and Sarah Polk.

THE BOTTOM 10?

The low end of the list has remained fairly consistent as well, with Anna Harrison (1841), Jane Pierce (1853-1857), Margaret Taylor (1849-1850), Rose Cleveland (1885-1886), Lucretia Garfield (1881), Ida McKinley (1897-1901), Emily Donelson (1829-1834), Martha Jefferson Randolph (1801-1809), Mary Lincoln (1861-1865) and Angelica Van Buren (1838-1841) consistently ranked in the bottom 10.

So where does Melania Trump (2017-2021) actually rank?

Well, Melania Trump took a less active role as First Lady, as it was reported that she wasn’t too interested in the role. She did appear at public events and did a lot of White House decorating.

It’s these bonafides that define her time in the White House. When we compare her tenure to others we find she is close to Margaret Taylor who was uninterested in life as First Lady-she’d actually prayed for her husband’s defeat. She avoided most of the obligations of living in the White House and delegated tasks. Margaret Taylor is consistently in the Bottom 10. So I would have to say that, objectively and without prejudice, Melania may have been a super hot fashion model in Europe, but as First Lady, she was NOT so hot. She is clearly in the Bottom 10.

But that’s not as bad her husband, who before January 6th was already ranking in the middle to bottom but after January 6th, he catapulted himself way past Andrew Johnson and James Buchanan to be the # 1 worst president in US history. But that story is for another time and is still revealing itself. So stay tuned.

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