First Lady Melania Trump is operating with a drastically smaller White House staff in 2025, employing just five full-time aides at a cost of $634,200.
That’s a $1.7 million reduction compared to the $2.4 million payroll under Jill Biden last year, according to a new report from National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF).
“Under past administrations, the First Lady’s office has evolved into a mini-agency, with salaries and travel costs rivaling those of federal agencies, with little oversight,” said Demian Brady, NTUF Vice President of Research and author of the report. “Melania Trump’s return to a smaller staff offers a reminder that a more limited approach is not only possible but preferable.”
The analysis highlights the dramatic shift in East Wing staffing levels and expenses. Jill Biden’s office hit a record 24 staffers in 2024, far exceeding historical norms and transforming the traditionally ceremonial role into a taxpayer-funded policy and communications operation.
Melania Trump’s office, by contrast, mirrors the smaller staffing model she used during her previous tenure as First Lady from 2017 to 2021. Her current staff has no speechwriters, policy advisors, or communications advisors.
Despite having no official duties or statutory authority, the First Lady is supported through publicly funded White House positions under a 1978 law that allows presidents to assign staff at their discretion. There are no legal limits on the size of the office, and no requirement to justify its budget.
NTUF’s report shows that Jill Biden’s office ballooned between 2022 and 2024, tripling in size from eight to 24 staffers. During that time, annual salaries rose from $763,875 to $2.4 million.
Other former First Ladies maintained more modest operations. Michelle Obama averaged 12 staffers and Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton each employed about 10 to 11, according to available data. Melania Trump has never had more than eight.
The report also highlights additional taxpayer costs beyond payroll. In 2024, Jill Biden’s personal round-trip flight between France and Delaware to attend her son’s trial cost an estimated $223,000. Only $13,310 was reimbursed by the Democratic National Committee, leaving taxpayers to cover the remaining $200,000.
In addition to staff and travel, the Office of the First Lady receives publicly funded perks including housing, military transportation, ceremonial support, and lifetime Secret Service protection.
Read the full report.