Tessa Quinn
There have been several instances of First Ladies being hospitalized. Melania Trump, for instance, was hospitalized in 2018 for a kidney condition. The First Lady of West Virginia, Denise Henry Morrisey, was also hospitalized after she fell ill. On the other hand, Melania Trump also visited Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., in 2025 for a Be Best event, but she was not a patient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 15 May 2018 |
| First Lady's Name | Melania Trump |
| President's Name | Donald Trump |
| First Lady's Age | 48 |
| Hospital | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center |
| Condition | Kidney condition |
| Procedure | Embolization |
| Cancerous | No |
| Expected Hospital Stay | 2 or 3 days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Melania Trump underwent a medical procedure for a kidney condition
- The procedure was described as long-planned
- Donald Trump said his wife would be leaving hospital in 2-3 days
- The first lady had been absent from her husband's side in recent months
- The first lady's condition was not disclosed, citing her privacy
Melania Trump underwent a medical procedure for a kidney condition
On Monday, May 14, 2018, First Lady Melania Trump underwent a successful embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. The procedure was performed at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Trump's office released a statement saying that the surgery was successful and that there were no complications. Embolization is a standard procedure used to block the blood supply to an artery. In this case, doctors inserted a small tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and guided it up to the kidney. Once in place, they introduced a substance—typically gel particles, alcohol, or an oily mixture—to block the blood flow to a small part of the kidney.
While the specific reason for Melania Trump's procedure is not known, experts speculate that it was likely done to treat a benign tumor called an angiomyolipoma or some other type of benign growth that may have started to bleed. Dr. Keith Kowalczyk, a urologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, stated that blocking the blood supply to a tumor is the most common reason for this procedure.
Mrs. Trump was expected to remain in the hospital for the rest of the week for recovery. President Donald Trump tweeted that he was on his way to visit her at the medical center, and later traveled by helicopter to be with his wife of 13 years.
Nurse Uniforms: Dresses or Traditional Scrubs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The procedure was described as long-planned
In 2018, Melania Trump, the wife of then-President Donald Trump, underwent a medical procedure at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The procedure was described as "long-planned" by Vice President Mike Pence and was reported to be an embolization to treat a noncancerous kidney condition.
Embolization is a procedure that involves the injection of substances into the blood vessels to block blood flow to a specific area. While the White House did not offer specific details about Mrs. Trump's condition, citing her privacy, it was speculated by urologists that the most likely explanation for the embolization was a noncancerous kidney tumor, specifically a type called an angiomyolipoma.
The decision for Mrs. Trump to undergo this procedure was likely made after careful consideration and consultation with medical experts. As the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Trump had a prominent role in the political and social life of the country. She represented the administration at official events, such as the April funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush, and participated in hosting foreign dignitaries, including the prime minister of Japan and the president of France.
By describing the procedure as "long-planned," Vice President Pence indicated that it was a scheduled event and not an emergency situation. This suggests that Mrs. Trump and her medical team had sufficient time to prepare and make informed decisions about her treatment. It also allowed for the necessary resources and support to be allocated to ensure a successful outcome.
The description of the procedure as "long-planned" also carries implications for the public perception of the first lady's health. By emphasizing the planned nature of the procedure, it conveys a sense of proactive management of her health, which can inspire confidence and reassurance among those concerned about her well-being. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of proactive healthcare and can encourage individuals to prioritize their own health by undergoing recommended screenings and treatments.
VA Hospital Availability in Guam
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Donald Trump said his wife would be leaving hospital in 2-3 days
On May 15, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that his wife, Melania, would be returning home from the hospital in two to three days. Melania Trump, the current first lady since January 20, 2025, underwent an embolization procedure for a kidney condition at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington. The procedure was described as long-planned and the first lady's condition was said to be noncancerous.
Mrs. Trump's spokeswoman initially stated that the first lady was likely to remain hospitalized for the remainder of the week. However, President Trump provided an update via Twitter, expressing his gratitude for the love and support they had received. In his tweet, he shared that the first lady was doing well and would be leaving the hospital in two to three days.
Prior to her hospitalization, Melania Trump had been active in her role as first lady. She hosted the prime minister of Japan at the Trumps' Florida estate and welcomed the president of France to the White House for a state visit. Additionally, she represented the administration at the funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush. The Trumps' marriage had been under scrutiny due to allegations of the president's infidelity, but they displayed affection during a Rose Garden event.
The first lady's health and hospitalization attracted attention, and her condition was the subject of speculation. While the White House did not offer additional details, citing her privacy, Vice President Mike Pence described the procedure as long-planned. Two urologists, without personal knowledge of Mrs. Trump's condition, suggested that the most likely explanation for the embolization procedure was a noncancerous kidney tumor called an angiomyolipoma.
Melania Trump's hospitalization and subsequent recovery highlight the public interest in the first lady's health and well-being. As the wife of President Donald Trump, she undertakes various duties and represents the United States in official capacities. Her role carries traditions and expectations, and her absence from certain events had been noted prior to her hospitalization.
Breast Cancer Detection: Hospital Procedures Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The first lady had been absent from her husband's side in recent months
The role of the First Lady of the United States has never been officially defined, but it has traditionally been associated with the president's wife and involves social and ceremonial duties. These include hosting events at the White House, such as the traditional Easter egg roll, which was started by Rutherford B. Hayes' wife, Lucy, in response to a ban on children rolling Easter eggs on the grounds of the Capitol building.
Historically, when a president has been unmarried or widowed, a female relative has assumed the role of White House hostess. For example, James Buchanan was unmarried and thus had his niece serve in some customary first lady roles. Similarly, Martin Van Buren was a widower and did not have a first lady by his side during his presidency, as his wife, Hannah, had passed away years before he took office.
In recent times, the first lady has taken on a more public role, including involvement in political campaigns, management of the White House, and advocacy for various social causes. Some first ladies have had a significant influence on policy, such as Hillary Clinton, who played a prominent role in shaping public healthcare policy. Others, like Jill Biden, have participated in Cabinet meetings.
In the case of Melania Trump, the wife of President Donald Trump, there have been instances where she has been noticeably absent from her husband's side. In May 2018, she received medical treatment for a noncancerous kidney condition and underwent an embolization procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. During her hospitalization, she was expected to remain hospitalized for at least a few days, with her spokeswoman initially stating that she was likely to stay for the duration of the week.
Sending Hospital Flowers to Devi: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The first lady's condition was not disclosed, citing her privacy
The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, was hospitalised in May 2018 for treatment of a kidney condition. The White House described the procedure as "long-planned" and said that it was noncancerous. However, the specifics of the First Lady's condition were not disclosed, with the White House citing her privacy. President Donald Trump tweeted that the procedure was "successful" and that his wife was in "good spirits". He also said that she would be leaving the hospital in "2 or 3 days".
The First Lady's spokeswoman had initially said that she was likely to remain in hospital for the rest of the week. The first lady, who was 48 at the time, underwent an embolization procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington. This type of procedure is typically used to treat benign tumours, and two urologists suggested that the most likely explanation for Mrs. Trump's embolization was a noncancerous kidney tumour called an angiomyolipoma.
While the First Lady's condition was not disclosed, it is clear that she was undergoing treatment for a serious medical issue. The embolization procedure is often used to treat tumours and growths, and it is likely that the First Lady was being treated for a similar issue. The White House's decision to cite her privacy when declining to provide additional information about her condition is understandable, given the sensitive nature of medical information.
The role of the First Lady of the United States is a prominent one, and the occupant of the role often plays a significant part in the political and social life of the country. Traditionally, the First Lady acts as the hostess of the White House and is in charge of social and ceremonial events. In recent times, the role has evolved to include involvement in political campaigns, management of the White House, and advocacy for various social causes.
Hospital Playlist: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Melania Trump, the first lady, was in the hospital in 2018 for a kidney condition. She was undergoing an embolization procedure to treat a noncancerous kidney tumor.
An embolization procedure involves cutting off the blood supply to a growth so that it shrinks. A catheter is inserted into the blood vessels of the kidney to find the right one and block it.
The role of the first lady has evolved over time. Traditionally, she is the hostess of the White House and attends official ceremonies and functions of state. Modern first ladies have also gotten involved in political campaigns, management of the White House, championship of social causes, and representation of the president at official events. They often select specific non-divisive causes to promote, such as environmental protection, volunteerism, or women's rights.
