Mrs Trump asked guests for suggestions on how best to empower women and girls worldwide, possibly foreshadowing women's empowerment as an issue she would pursue as First Lady. In recent weeks, Mrs Trump helped plan their first big White House social event, an annual, black-tie dinner for the nation's governors. Mrs Trump has also been slow to staff the East Wing of the White House, where the First Lady's office is based. It's customary for the White House Visitors Office to close temporarily during a change in administration since political appointees do the work. But this year's shutdown lasted longer than usual, frustrating members of Congress who are responsible for distributing White House public tour tickets to constituents.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 11, 2017 09:00 UTC