Member-only story
The World’s Most Exclusive Sisterhood
The President of the United States is considered the most powerful person in the world. As commander-in-chief of the world’s strongest military, the U.S. president is a global household name, no matter who holds the position.
However, given U.S. presidents have only been male, the most prominent female in a presidential administration has been the president’s wife, who holds the unofficial title of ‘First Lady.’
[While the nation elects the president], “” — Laura Bush
This role isn’t mentioned in America’s constitution, so officially the First Lady is nothing more than an unpaid spouse. However, over two centuries of history have seen the role evolve into one with enormous influence and covert power.
Some first ladies have shaped U.S. policy, while others have been international icons on par with or greater than their spouses. Regardless, there is no doubt the First Lady is an important, yet often understated figure.
Let’s take a look at what it means to hold this overlooked role and the activities of the women who took it on.
The First Lady is the official White House hostess