Political controversies are not exactly a new concept. Since politics began, there have been controversies, scandals, and things that have made people respond with pure outrage. While most of these scandals have been due to the US President at the time, there have been quite a few controversies surrounding their First Ladies too.
Today, we know all the controversies that have happened within the past 30 years, especially with Melania Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Reagan, to name a few. But you can’t forget the First Ladies back in the 1800s, because let us tell you, they had quite a few scandals of their own.
From alleged affairs to rather odd means of scheduling the president’s day-to-day activities, from controversial fashion choices to unhealthy habits, we’re going to break down these First Lady controversies.
Something to keep in mind though, is that we are not going to talk about the scandals and controversies that happened with these First Ladies before they were in the White House, or even after. We’re just going to be talking about the controversies and scandals they found themselves in while they were an active First Lady.
That being said, check out all the First Lady controversies below:
Mary Todd Lincoln’s Alleged Spending Habits
While in office, Abraham Lincoln’s wife Mary Todd Lincoln, allegedly developed a hefty spending habit that eventually landed her in hot water. Throughout the years, she reportedly overspent her budget on redecorating the White House, gowns, and more.
Once her husband was murdered in 1865, shopkeepers and businesses who once granted her credit came knocking at her door and Mary Todd found herself in an estimated $38,000, or the equivalent of more than half a million dollars today, in debt, per History. As the bills kept piling up, she attempted to sell her clothes and valuables in auction before being caught and humiliated by the public.
She reportedly had money struggles until her death in 1882.
Edith Wilson’s Reported Leadership
Woodrow Wilson’s wife Edith Wilson, as many history buffs are well aware of, is more or less known as the first woman to run the United States. She was her husband’s personal secretary for some time, and would often sit in on his meetings.
After his stroke in 1919, however, Edith’s involvement only increased as she reportedly took over the administration, all the while keeping his declining health a secret.
Per Britannia, the presidential leadership at the time was highly criticized, with some calling Edith the “Assistant President.” The faulty leadership continued until the end of his term in 1921.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Rumored Affair
Even for our fellow history lovers, you may or may not know that it’s been alleged that Eleanor Roosevelt may have had an affair with a female journalist. Throughout her time at the White House, she was often seen with Lorena Hickok, who would later move into the White House, and be seen on day trips with the First Lady.
“There’s no doubt that it was a very important relationship for both of them,” Susan Quinn, the writer of Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady, told Slate Magazine. “Of course, none of this could be openly talked about. So at the time, people knew and didn’t know. But it was understood and accepted. I know it was a love affair whether it was physical or not. I think it was. Lorena Hickok knew that she loved women and had a number of other intense relationships with women.”
Betty Ford’s Fashion
When you see this photo of Betty Ford dancing on a table, you may think that she got in trouble for doing that on her last day at the White House. But you’d be wrong! The controversy surrounding Ford in this picture had everything to do with her pants. No, seriously! According to the National First Ladies Library, wearing pants in public as a First Lady was a big no-no, and rubbed many people the wrong way.
Looking back, Betty, who was an ardent supporter of the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s, paved the way for First Lady Fashion.
Nancy Reagan’s Hardcore Astrology Use
Did you know that both Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan were big astrology believers? The First Lady Nancy found herself in a major controversy when she admitted that she consulted an astrologer to plan Ronald’s day-to-day activities, along with big events.
“I was responsible for timing all press conferences,” Nancy’s astrologer Joan Quigley said in her tell-all book, What Does Joan Say?: My Seven Years As White House Astrologer to Nancy and Ronald Reagan, per The Los Angeles Times. “Most speeches, the State of the Union addresses, the takeoffs and landings of Air Force One. I picked the time of Ronald Reagan’s debate with [Jimmy] Carter and the two debates with Walter Mondale; all extended trips abroad as well as the shorter trips and one-day excursions.”
In 1988, when the relationship between Quigley and the Reagans went public, the First Lady and the President were scrutinized and they went to lengths to decrease her significance.
Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Comments
Before even making it into the White House, Hillary Clinton found herself in hot water when her comments on the campaign trail were thwarted by the media and made into a scandalous story.
While Bill Clinton was running for office in 1992, Hillary faced backlash from Bill’s Democratic rival, Jerry Brown, and the public for her active role on the campaign trail and for continuing her successful law career despite her husband’s plans to be the next US President.
When asked about the backlash, Hillary responded: “I suppose I could have stayed home, baked cookies, and had teas.” The remark was perceived as a criticism of stay-at-home mothers but, of course, she hadn’t meant it that way.
Her full quote also included: “The work that I have done as a professional, a public advocate, has been aimed… to assure that women can make the choices whether it’s full-time career, full-time motherhood, or some combination.”
Hillary Clinton’s 2004 Portrait
Another first lady to find herself in hot water thanks to a stylish pair of pants was Hillary Clinton. For her first lady portrait in 2004, she broke tradition by wearing a pantsuit instead of a dress, which caused a lot of controversy at the time because many believed it was, basically, not the time or place to break tradition.
Melania Trump Was Accused of Plagiarism
While former First Lady Melania Trump found herself in the middle of controversies often, one of the biggest was when she was accused of plagiarizing a speech written by fellow former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2020 Republican National Convention (RNC). After initially denying the accusation, staff writer Meredith McIver accepted responsibility in 2016 by saying that Melania “always liked” Michelle, per NPR.
“This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant,” McIver wrote.
Melania Trump’s ‘I Don’t Really Care. Do U?’ Jacket
Another one of the major controversies first lady Melania Trump found herself in was when she wore a jacket that read “I don’t really care. Do u?” while visiting detained migrant children.
At the time, Melania denied that the jacket wasn’t at all a message towards the cause she was supporting.
A few months later, Melania revealed the true message behind the coat. “It was for the people and for the left-wing media who are criticizing me,” she told ABC News. “And I want to show them that I don’t care. You could criticize whatever you want to say, but it will not stop me to do what I feel is right.
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