Behind every successful president is a powerful First Lady who brings her unique intelligence and capabilities to the table. While the spotlight usually shines on the leader of the free world, many First Ladies have proven themselves to have exceptional intellect, accomplishments, influence, and, in some cases, fashion sense that arguably surpass their presidential spouses.
Abigail Adams
As wife and close adviser of the second US president, John Adams, she was known for her sharp intellect and political insight. She opposed slavery and fought long and hard for women’s rights, which made her time in office every bit as prominent as that of her husband.
Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison, wife to James Madison, was a social and political powerhouse. She played a critical role in shaping the role of the First Lady, using her charm and strategic thinking to host influential gatherings. Her exquisite handling of Washington, D.C. society helped her husband, James Madison, overcome many of his political challenges. She famously rescued George Washington's portrait from a burning White House.
Sarah Polk
Fluent in French and Spanish, Sarah Polk was highly educated and actively involved in her husband James K. Polk's political career. Often compared to modern figures such as Nancy Reagan and Ivanka Trump, she managed his correspondence and served as his confidante, helping him shape his policies and decisions.
Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln was known for her extensive education and political savvy. Despite being born into a wealthy slave-owning family, she came to oppose slavery in her adult years vehemently. She had a keen understanding of politics, which she used to support and advise her husband, Abraham Lincoln.
Edith Wilson
After Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke, Edith Wilson effectively took over many of his duties in his absence. Her quick learning and ability to handle complex political issues came from her exceptional intelligence and capability, and she became a successful leader despite no official title.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was known as a trailblazer. She was a champion of civil rights, women's rights, and social justice and transformed the role of the First Lady in ways that would be deemed admirable by any modern woman. Her extensive writings, public speeches, and activism made her one of the most influential women of the 20th century.
Mamie Eisenhower
Mamie Eisenhower jointly managed the White House with her husband, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Her strategic planning and knowledge of social matters were crucial to her husband’s administration, and her fondness for social interaction gained her an extensive following among the public.
Jacqueline Kennedy
Jacqueline Kennedy, known to many as Jackie O, was known for her flawless elegance and intelligence. She was fluent in several languages and an avid reader which led her to play a significant role in the arts and cultural preservation. She was widely celebrated by voters worldwide both during and after her husband's run in office.
Lady Bird Johnson
As a savvy businesswoman and environmentalist, Lady Bird Johnson spearheaded the Highway Beautification Act and was deeply involved in her husband Lyndon B. Johnson's political strategies. She was championed for her longstanding conservation efforts.
Betty Ford
Former First Lady Betty Ford survived breast cancer and consequently opened up about her struggles with opioid addiction. She later became a strong advocate for addiction treatment and women's rights. Her candor and activism brought significant changes in public perceptions and policies regarding these issues, and she put her name to one of the US’ largest rehabilitation facilities, The Betty Ford Center.
Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter was deeply involved in mental health advocacy and public policy. She frequently attended Cabinet meetings and was an influential advisor to her husband, President Jimmy Carter. Having served as the honorary chairperson of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, she was instrumental in the passing of the 1980 Mental Health Systems Act.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton's legal expertise and political acumen are widely recognized. As First Lady, she was actively involved in policymaking, later becoming a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and a presidential candidate in the 2016 campaign. Sadly, she lost out to President Trump, but her accomplishments highlight her exceptional intelligence and dedication.
Laura Bush
Laura Bush, a former librarian and educator, focused on education and literacy during her tenure as First Lady. Her initiatives and advocacy for education reforms were based on her passion for empowering communities and providing great opportunities for young children in education.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is a Harvard-educated lawyer who led numerous successful initiatives, including the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to combat childhood obesity. Her influence extended far beyond her role as First Lady, impacting public health and education. She helped boost Barack Obama’s run for presidency with her deep humility and refreshing sense of humor.
Melania Trump
Melania Trump, multilingual and a successful businesswoman before becoming First Lady, managed her public role with poise and dealt with many complex public situations. Despite the mixed response gained by her husband, the controversial President Trump, she managed to win the hearts of the public with her efforts to humanize his run for Congress.
Jill Biden
Dr. Jill Biden holds multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Education, and has had a long career in education. She is the founder of the Biden Breast Health Initiative, co-founder of the Book Buddies program, and co-founder of the military support mission Joining Forces with Michelle Obama.
Pat Nixon
Pat Nixon was highly educated and engaged in diplomatic efforts. Her significant contributions to her husband's foreign policies and public outreach helped support his run as president, and her numerous voluntary efforts for charitable causes made her a public favorite.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was known for her exceptional political instincts and influence over Ronald Reagan’s decisions. Her ‘Just Say No’ anti-drug campaign and advocacy for various social causes demonstrated her commitment to public service. She briefly worked as an actress like her husband, Ronald Reagan, but ultimately proved her worth as a First Lady.
30 Traditional Sayings That Are Now Considered Offensive by Woke Culture
30 Traditional Sayings That Are Now Considered Offensive by Woke Culture
21 Habits Often Associated With Having a Lower Social Status
21 Habits Often Associated With Having a Lower Social Status
25 Social Issues Gen Z are Determined to Cancel
