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For comparison, historical data reminds us of a different era of the East Wing. First Ladies like Rosalynn Carter (+32), Nancy Reagan (+25), and Barbara Bush (+21) often maintained favorable ratings that transcended their husbands’ political fortunes. Even more modern counterparts like Michelle Obama and Laura Bush consistently maintained favorability scores in the high teens and low twenties. The current -16 rating for Melania Trump serves as a stark reminder that in 2026, the intense polarization of the electorate extends to every corner of the White House, regardless of the individual’s personal initiatives or “movie star” charisma.
