Trump appears to be forging ahead, however, starting 2018 with a staff expansion,
adding a communications aide, a new director of advance and operations and, most telling,
a director of policy, signaling there is in fact policy to be had.
"She's likely to roll out an initiative, or set of initiatives," said Anita McBride,
who served as first lady Laura Bush's chief of staff. "At least now there's a structure
around her staff. You also have to remember in this role, it's important to be prepared
for the things you can't plan for."
McBride recalled how quickly Bush's team had to pivot in the wake of 9/11, and she is hopeful
that Trump's staff of now 12 full-time employees is cognizant of the first lady's needs,
no matter how new to the role she is.
To an extent, it should be expected that a former model with zero experience in politics,
social work and public speaking would take more time than most to find her voice,
not to mention her footing.