Jennifer Pickens

Jennifer B. Pickens (@JenniferBPickens) is an expert on the White House and first ladies and has authored three books: "Christmas at the White House," "Pets at the White House," and "Entertaining at the White House: Decades of Presidential Traditions."

Melania Trump poses for photographs while attending a formal premiere event.

Opinion

February 4, 2026

A first lady like no other: How Melania Trump made presidential history

Melania Trump makes history as first sitting first lady to executive produce her own film, offering unprecedented access to her return to the White House.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump

Opinion

December 14, 2025

Melania Trump’s White House Christmas is a shining beacon of America

First lady Melania Trump unveils White House Christmas decorations with "Home Is Where The Heart Is" theme, honoring Gold Star Families in the Blue Room.

The king and queen with President Trump and Melania at the royal library

Opinion

September 19, 2025

The importance of President Trump's UK visit shouldn't be underestimated

Trump's second State Visit to the UK strengthens the special relationship between America and Britain as the U.S. approaches its 250th independence anniversary.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are entertained by the United States Army Chorus at the Governors Ball.

Opinion

March 8, 2025

President Trump highlighting US military in a unique way

Trumps honored the US military by bringing bands to the White House to perform. US Army Chorus entertained the crowd with music from 'Les Misérables' because president loves musicals.

Melania Trump

Opinion

November 8, 2024

As First Lady, Melania Trump wants to be a positive, unifying force for good in return to White House

First Lady Melania Trump has filled the role before and understands the importance of the legacy she has been entrusted with. She has experience to help her make her mark again.

Jill Biden speaking at Columbia Medical Center School

Opinion

January 22, 2023

Jill Biden can join other first ladies who have raised awareness about cancer

Being first lady did not exempt Jill Biden from the conversation that millions of citizens have had with doctors that began with the words, “It might be cancer.”

First Lady Jill Biden speaks as President Biden, right, hosting a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 5, 2022. (Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Opinion

December 1, 2022

President Biden's first state dinner puts Jill Biden in the spotlight

President and Mrs. Biden will host their first state dinner on Thursday. The grand, elegant event puts the spotlight on Jill Biden and will become part of her White House legacy.

BEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 17: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) waves with his granddaughter Naomi Biden as they walk out from Air Force Two upon arrival at the Beijing Capital International Airport on August 17, 2011 in Beijing, China. Vice President Joe Biden, a veteran foreign policy hand during his 36-year Senate career, arrived for a five-day visit in China under a cloud of criticism over the U.S. debt, as he seeks to build a rapport with Xi Jinping, the man expected to be the rising Asian power's next leader. He will later visit emerging U.S. partner Mongolia and longstanding ally Japan. (Photo by Ng Han Guan-Pool/Getty Images)

Opinion

November 19, 2022

Biden's South Lawn wedding is one White House tradition all can celebrate

The South Lawn of the White House is the most picturesque setting for a White House wedding.

Queen Elizabeth II and President John F. Kennedy

Opinion

September 18, 2022

Queen Elizabeth’s coronation featured reporter who would soon become first lady Jackie Kennedy

Queen Elizabeth’s coronation featured reporter who would soon become first lady Jackie Kennedy. Jacqueline Bouvier covered event for Washington Times-Herald.

Queen Elizabeth at the White House

Opinion

September 17, 2022

When Queen Elizabeth invited White House residence staff to dinner at Buckingham Palace

Queen Elizabeth personified the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom. Her last state dinner at the White House was on May 7, 2007.

Jennifer Pickens: Nancy Reagan's 100th birthday – her legacy of class, elegance and style endures. Here's why

Opinion

July 6, 2021

Jennifer Pickens: Nancy Reagan's 100th birthday – her legacy of class, elegance and style endures. Here's why

The iconic Reagan style mixed Washington, D.C., politicos with Hollywood royalty under the exquisite eye of first lady Nancy Reagan, whose centennial we celebrate this 6th of July.

Jennifer Pickens: Melania Trump hasn’t received appreciation she deserves for achievements as first lady

Opinion

December 26, 2020

Jennifer Pickens: Melania Trump hasn’t received appreciation she deserves for achievements as first lady

Like so many Republican first ladies, Melania Trump has not received the respect and appreciation she deserved during her tenure. Her many contributions are worth noting.

First lady Melania Trump smiles during a speech at the Justice Department's National Opioid Summit at the Department of Justice on Friday in Washington. Trump has canceled a Beverley Hills fundraiser scheduled for later this month.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Opinion

May 3, 2020

Jennifer Pickens: During coronavirus, Melania Trump continues offering comfort to children, families

The truly unprecedented devastation of COVID-19 has impacted the role of the first lady in ways not seen before.