Melania Trump is giving a first look at a new stamp honoring Barbara Bush, helping to unveil it at a White House ceremony despite a seemingly sticky relationship between President Trump and members of the former first family.
“Barbara’s unwavering conviction, dignity and [loyalty] to her loved ones have left an undeniable mark on our hearts and history,” the first lady said Thursday as the U.S. Postal Service stamp bearing the image of Bush, the wife of late President George H.W. Bush, was revealed publicly for the first time.
“Mrs. Bush’s legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention,” said Trump.
“While she is known for championing literacy, she also supported women’s empowerment, changed the national conversation on AIDS, and took a stand supporting gay rights,” Trump added, saying she applauded Bush for “defending our society’s vital need for women across all avenues whether CEO or homemaker.”
Barbara Bush, who was also former President George W. Bush’s mother, died in 2018 at 92.
The image that will be featured on the first-class postage stamp is from a 1995 “favorite” portrait of Bush by artist Chas Fagan. In the painting, Bush is seen sporting a “signature, multi-strand pearl necklace” and displaying a small smile.
While some relatives, such as daughter Doro Bush Koch, were among the attendees at the White House ceremony, several of the most prominent family members including W. Bush were not eyed in the East Room.
A spokesman for the ex-commander in chief didn’t return ITK’s request for comment ahead of the event about his absence.
There has been apparent tension over the years between Donald Trump and several members of the Bush family.
According to a 2019 biography of Barbara Bush, the former first lady once referred to Trump as a “symbol of greed.”
Trump later said he would expect Bush’s criticism given his treatment of one of her sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) during the 2016 GOP presidential primary.
“I have heard that she was nasty to me, but she should be. Look what I did to her sons,” Trump said of Bush.
In 2018, Trump criticized George W. Bush over the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, calling it the “single worst decision ever made.”
A 2017 book quoted W. Bush as saying that Trump didn’t “know what it means to be president.”
The 43rd president didn’t endorse a candidate during last year’s White House race between Trump and then-Vice President Harris.
But Bush Koch expressed appreciation to the first lady, saying, “We are so grateful to you for hosting us at the White House on this momentous occasion.”
“The stamp perfectly captures mom’s poise and dignity,” Bush Koch said, choking up at one point during her remarks as she reflected on her parents’ relationship, which she described as a “partnership that would span decades and helped shape history.”
“It’s unlikely that mom ever pictured herself on a postage stamp, and it’s very likely that she would be wondering what all this fuss is about today,” Bush Koch quipped.
“But on behalf of my entire family, I can assure you that we are all very proud and grateful for this special tribute.”
“The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush’s contributions as first lady and her enduring impact on our nation,” Trump said.
“May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength and uphold the values that direct us toward meaningful existence.”
