Etiquette in the age of Donald Trump
What would Emily Post say about Donald Trump? Crystal Bailey, director of the Etiquette Institute of Washington, weighs in.
How will the Capitol change?
Traditionally we’ve always been told not to talk about politics in mixed company, but now it’s different — it’s thrust in our face a lot more. And people have been a lot more open about it. D.C. is super conservative — not politically conservative, but if you walk down K Street, you’re going to see everyone carrying the same kind of bag and a dark suit, and Tory Burch flats on and Longchamp bag. It’s a very conservative place. Future First Lady Melania Trump will bring a bit of edge to the White House, which will be interesting.
How will Donald Trump’s social media savvy play in the Oval Office?
We call it “netiquette: — where social media/technology and etiquette collide. We saw from the Obamas a very controlled image and presence; every message that was put out I’m sure was read by a staff of how-many. So to have someone that is just kind of live-tweeting the presidency is going to be interesting.
What are the pros and cons having Donald Trump as straight-talker in chief?
For Americans that have felt things have been behind a veil, they feel like the veil has been lifted. But I think we expect a lot of control with this role, so that’s going to be the unknown that we’ll have with a president who openly engages leaders on an international scale and feuds and fights. I mean, we’ve seen it with how he fights with Rosie O’Donnell or any other people he’s interacted with over the last few years. And it’s just not the diplomatic way. It’s a role of diplomacy, and protocol is expected.
If Melania Trump and their son [Barron] don’t come to the White House at the very beginning of his presidency — these are all protocols that are being danced upon. But whether that carries over into state dinners, and how international guests are treated, remains to be seen. I feel for the protocol officers at the White House because I think things will be shaken up quite a bit.
What would Emily Post make of Donald Trump?
She would probably tell him to go put the phone down and stop tweeting at 3 a.m.
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