First Ladies 2000s

First Lady Laura and President George W. Bush

Laura Welch Bush*

President George W. Bush*

Laura, George, Jenna, and Barbara*

First Lady - 2001 - 2009
Quotes from Laura -

"For a First Lady, there are moments of maximum political controversy, and they often strike without warning."
"The power of a book lies in its power to turn a solitary act into a shared vision. As long as we have books, we are not alone."
"A love of books - of holding a book, turning its pages, looking at its pictures, and living its fascinating stories - goes hand-in-hand with a love of learning."

Factoid - Laura and George W. Bush met on a blind date!

Bio -

Laura Welch was born in Midland, Texas to a middle-class family. Her family instilled a lifelong love of reading in Laura. Laura earned a bachelor's degree in education from Southern Methodist University and taught second-grade in Dallas and Houston. She then received her master's degree in library science from the University of Texas and worked as a school librarian in Austin.
Laura met George W. Bush in Midland, when they were both 30, at a backyard barbecue arranged by mutual friends. However, she remembered him from 7th grade as "someone who talked a lot." Three months later they married. Together, they had twin daughters.
Laura knew that, as the son of a politician, George's political career was a given. He was elected Governor of Texas and then like his father, President of the United States. Laura helped George W. on the campaign trail, even giving speeches.
As First Lady, Laura advocated strongly for education, literacy, and women's health. She created initiatives like the National Book Festival and supported teacher training and school libraries. Her Ready to Read, Ready to Learn Initiative influenced and supported early childhood development. Laura maintained a quiet but influential role during her husband's presidency, particularly after 9/11. Her influence was evident in her travel to more than seventy-five countries, as First Lady. Laura never sought the spotlight, but George W. Bush has often credited her with being a steadying influence and a trusted advisor.

About George - George W. Bush led the country during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, after which he launched the War on Terror, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His presidency focused on national security, tax cuts, and education reform through the No Child Left Behind Act. He faced criticism for the handling of Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis. Despite low approval ratings when he left office, public opinion of him has improved over time.

Texas Cowboy Cookies

In the first First Lady bake-off in 1992, Hillary Clinton's chocolate chip cookies beat out Barbara Bush's delicious chocolate chip recipe. In 2000, Laura Bush debuted her Texas Governor's House Cowboy Cookies, and they beat out Tipper Gore's gingersnap cookie recipe. Here's a recipe inspired by Southern Living Magazine and by Home Economics teacher, Agnes Hussey.

Yield - 24 LARGE cookies
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 & 1/2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 & 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant
2 cups coconut flakes
2 cups pecans, chopped
1 cup raisins

Steps

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets lining with parchment paper - do not grease!
In a bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt - set aside.
In another mixing bowl, beat butter on medium speed until it's creamy. Slowly beat in white and brown sugars.
Beat in eggs, one at a time; bet in vanilla.
Add the flour mixture and and stir until combined. Next, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, oatmeal, coconut, and raisins.
These are LARGE cookies, made for hungry cowboys and cowgirls! Scoop 1/4 cup of dough for each cookie and drop onto cookie sheets, 3-inches apart.
Bake in preheated 350° F oven for 17 - 20 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. You may want to rotate the cookie sheets halfway through baking, to ensure even baking, depending on your oven's accuracy.
Cool cookies for 10 minutes on cookie sheets, then switch to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Recipe Card

Photo Credits*
Laura Bush - Portrait in orange suit - White House photo by Krisanne Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; With George and twins - Series: Photographs Related to the George W. Bush Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
George W. Bush - Portrait - Draper, Eric, photographer / Official portrait of President George W. Bush, 2003. Public Domain - Released by the United States Department of Defense

Michelle Robinson Obama

6/19/2025

Michelle and Almond Shortbread Cookie Bars

Michelle Robinson Obama*

President Barack Obama*

Michelle playing hopscotch*

First Lady Michelle and President Barack Obama

First Lady - 2009 - 2017
Quotes from Michelle -

"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages."
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."
"Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own."

Factoid - As part of her mission to instill better nutrition, Michelle Obama planted the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn of the White House, providing fresh fruits and vegetables for the local community and the White House.

Bio -

Michelle Robinson was born in Chicago, Illinois. A serious student, Michelle earned a degree at Princeton University and a Law Degree from Harvard Law School. Michelle returned to Chicago to begin her law career, where she soon met Barack Obama. They married several years later.
Michelle left corporate law behind and worked for public law service in Chicago. She was also a staunch supporter of Barack's political career as Illinois State Senator U.S. Senator. All the while, she was Mom to the Obama's two daughters. Barack Obama became the first African American President and Michelle, the Nation's first African American First Lady in 2008.
Never one to stand still, Michelle, as First Lady, had several missions. "Let's Move" was her campaign against childhood obesity. Michelle started the "Joining Forces" movement to support service members and veterans. Two other initiatives of Michelle revolved around education: "Reach Higher" and "Let Girls Learn".
Always the welcoming hostess, Michelle was known as a warm and inviting First Lady filling the White House with not only political guests and dignitaries, but also with artists and musicians. Michelle also organized the renovation of the State and Family Dining Rooms in the White House.
Michelle's personality charmed the public, who fell in love with her wit and wisdom. Appearances on late-night TV with Jimmy Fallon and others gained her even more popularity.

About Barack - Barack Obama was the 44th President and the first African American President. His administration was responsible for the Affordable Care Act, reform of financial regulations, and the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Throughout his Presidency, Barack emphasized diplomacy, climate change action, and economic recovery. He was and still is praised for his calm demeanor and oratory skills.

Almond Shortbread Cookie Bars

Michelle Obama's Almond Shortbread Cookies became a bit famous during Barack's inauguration. The Ritz-Carlton Hotels honored the occasion by serving guests Michelle's shortbread, rather than mints on their pillows!

Ingredients
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 & 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur or 1 tablespoon almond extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 cups cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg white, beaten
1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds

Steps

Preheat oven to 325° F.
Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together butter and 1 & 1/2 cups of sugar on medium speed until fairly smooth. Add egg yolks and beat until fluffy.
Beat in amaretto or extract and citrus zests until just combined.
Gradually beat in flour and salt until all are combined.
Spread the dough on the cookie sheet, using a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Use a pastry or cooking brush to brush the beaten egg white onto the top of the cookie bars. Sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Bake 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn off the oven and allow the cookies to remain inside of the oven for 15 more minutes.
Remove from the oven and cut into squares while the cookies are warm.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Michelle Obama - (official portrait) Joyce Boghosian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Playing hopscotch - The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Barack Obama - Official White House Photo by Pete Souza, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Melania Knauss Trump

6/17/2025

Melania and Star Cookies

Melania Knauss Trump*

President Donald J. Trump*

Melania reading to children*

First Lady Melania and President Donald Trump
First Lady 2017- 2021 AND January 20, 2025 to present
Quotes from Melania -

"You cannot change a person. Let them be. Let them be the way they are."
"As citizens of this great nation, it is kindness, love, and compassion for each other that will bring us together and keep us together."

First Lady 2017 - 2021 AND January 20, 2025 to present
Quote from Melania -

"You cannot change a person. Let them be. Let them be the way they are."

Factoid - As of August 2024, Melania Trump's net worth is an estimated $50 million from her modeling, her businesses, and her book.
Bio -

Melania Knauss was born in Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). Her mother was a clothing designer, and Melania grew up modeling clothing collections. She studied design, then pursued an international modeling career, coming to the U.S. in the 1990s. Melania and Donald Trump met in New York. They married in 2005 at a lavish and celebrity-filled wedding. The couple have one son, Barron, and Donald has four grown children by two former wives.
Melania did not move into the White House for the first few months of Donald's first Presidency, staying in New York to finish Barron's school year. Once the First Lady moved in, she began several campaigns. The Be Best campaign centered on supporting the social and emotional well-being of young people. Melania also was a Goodwill Ambassador for the American Red Cross and Chairwoman for the American Heart Association. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Melania promoted safety and health though social media.
Melania also continued with the on-going White House restoration, including renovations to the Red Room, Diplomatic Reception Room, and Yellow Oval Room.
President Trump lost his 2021 bid for re-election, but won the Presidency again in 2024. In 2024, Mrs. Trump released her memoir, Melania, which became number one on the New York Times best sellers list. The Trumps returned to the White House in January 2025, with Melania continuing her "Be Best" initiatives.

About Donald: President Donald Trump, a businessman and reality TV star, won the presidency with an "America First" agenda. His administration enacted major tax cuts, rolled back regulations, and appointed three Supreme Court Justices. The Covid-19 Pandemic was a major economic and health issue during his Presidency. He was impeached twice by the House. First over Ukraine and later for inciting the Capitol riot, but acquitted both times by the Senate. His presidency culminated in his refusal to concede the 2020 election. In 2024, President Trump was elected for a second term.

Star Cookies

In 1992, Family Circle magazine began hosting a First Lady "bake-off" with First Ladies or wives of presidential candidates sharing their best cookie recipe. In 2016, Hillary Clinton broke the rules a bit by being the actual candidate to compete against Melania Trump and her Star Cookies. Melanie lost the cookie contest, but became First Lady.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
1 egg white
2 tablespoons sour cream

Steps

In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
In mixing bowl, mix together softened butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
Beat in egg yolks, egg white, and sour cream until mixture is smooth.
Mix in the flour mixture until the dough separates from sides of bowl just a bit - don't over-beat. Divide dough into 2 patties, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for about an hour.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough patties on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick.
Use a 2 & 1/2-inch star cookie cutter to cut out cookie dough. Place on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 10 minutes or until light golden. Leave on cookie sheet about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Melania Trump - Inauguration Ball - U.S. Army Sgt. Kalie Jones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Reading book - Joyce N. Boghosian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Donald Trump - Photographer, Shealeah Craighead, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dr Jill Jacobs Biden

6/16/2025

Jill and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Dr. Jill Biden*

President Joseph Biden*

Joe and Jill - White House Christmas*

First Lady Jill and President Joe Biden
First Lady - 2021 - 2025
Quotes from Jill -

"The responsibility for educating a young person is not the student's responsibility alone, nor is it the job of the teacher alone, nor is it the obligation of the parents alone. It is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. Because we all reap the benefits when our citizens are well educated."
"Education doesn't just make us smarter. It makes us whole."

Factoid -

Jill was the first First Lady to continue her full time career. She was a college professor.
Jill Biden has written a memoir and two children's books.

Bio -

Jill Jacobs was born in New Jersey and grew up in Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in English. The same year in Delaware, she met Senator Joseph Biden on a blind date. They married two years later and she became mother to Joe's two sons, while also having a daughter with Joe.
Jill's entire career has centered on teaching. She taught high school and community college and in addition to her Bachelor's degree, Jill gained a Master's degree in Education, a Master's in English, and a Doctorate of Education. As First Lady, Jill continued teaching.
Joe became Vice President to President Obama. He ran for President until 2021, when he won against Donald Trump. As First Lady, Jill supported military and veteran families and survivors through assistance with education and health care. In 2023, Jill headed up an initiative on Women’s Health Research to improve disparities.
The Bidens established the Biden Foundation and launched the Biden Cancer Initiative.

About Joe - Joe Biden entered office during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing vaccine distribution and economic recovery. His administration passed the American Rescue Plan, a bipartisan infrastructure law, and pursued ambitious climate and social policies. Biden has faced challenges including inflation, international conflicts like the war in Ukraine, and border security. His presidency emphasized unity and restored traditional norms.

Jill's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies