First Lady Highlights Blair House’s Role as a Cornerstone of American Diplomacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 5, 2025

During a holiday reception at the historic Blair House, First Lady Melania Trump delivered prepared remarks emphasizing the importance of America’s longstanding institutions and their continued role in shaping national identity. The event was hosted by the Blair House Foundation and the Friends of Blair House, both of which support the preservation and operation of the President’s Guest House.

According to the full prepared-for-delivery transcript released directly by THE WHITE HOUSE, the First Lady described Blair House as “a quiet, dignified bridge between the White House and the world,” a residence that for generations has welcomed foreign kings, presidents, and prime ministers. The structure, originally built in the early 1800s, was highlighted as an enduring American institution whose legacy “transcends generations.”

She connected its preservation to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, noting that the moment invites reflection on how historic institutions “shape our nation’s values.” She added that stewardship of such institutions involves not only maintaining them physically but also “growing them with innovation so that each can shine for future generations.”

The First Lady also praised those who support the mission of Blair House, expressing gratitude to the Blair House Foundation Board of Trustees and its chair, Sarah Perot, for sustaining a place where diplomacy often begins before cameras or formal state events. According to the transcript released by THE WHITE HOUSE, she framed Blair House as representing “grace, stability, and the confidence of a nation that leads with strength, courtesy and kindness.”

Blair House itself is documented by BLAIR HOUSE and the BLAIR HOUSE FOUNDATION as a central stage for American diplomacy, serving as the official President’s Guest House and hosting foreign dignitaries, delegations, international meetings, and preparatory discussions prior to engagements at the White House. Its formal mission, as stated by the foundation, is to preserve the residence, support its operations, and maintain the tradition of American hospitality extended to visiting global leaders.

The First Lady closed her prepared remarks by offering seasonal well-wishes, expressing hopes for a “Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a joyful and peaceful New Year” to attendees gathered for the holiday reception. The complete remarks, as well as official photos from the event, remain available directly through THE WHITE HOUSE.

The Appalachian Post is an independent West Virginia news outlet dedicated to clean, verified, first-hand reporting. We do not publish rumors. We do not run speculation. Every fact we present must be supported by original documentation, official statements, or direct evidence. When secondary sources are used, we clearly identify them and never treat them as first-hand confirmation. We avoid loaded language, emotional framing, or accusatory wording, and we do not attack individuals, organizations, or other news outlets. Our role is to report only what can be verified through first-hand sources and allow readers to form their own interpretations. If we cannot confirm a claim using original evidence, we state clearly that we reviewed first-hand sources and could not find documentation confirming it. Our commitment is simple: honest reporting, transparent sourcing, and zero speculation.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• THE WHITE HOUSE — Office of the First Lady. “First Lady Melania Trump Emphasizes the Importance of Upholding America’s Storied Institutions at the Blair House.” Full prepared-for-delivery remarks and official event documentation.
• BLAIR HOUSE FOUNDATION. Official description of the foundation’s role, mission, and support for Blair House.
• BLAIR HOUSE — Official Site. “Diplomacy in Action” and “History of the Home,” detailing the residence’s diplomatic function and historical significance.