Melania Trump’s favorability ratings soars by double digits to 52 percent

“The more Americans learn about first lady Melania Trump, the more they like her,” reports a new CNN poll, which finds that 52 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Mrs. Trump — an increase from 36 percent before President Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20.

The results fall along party lines, CNN found; 86 percent of Republicans view the first lady favorably compared to 22 percent of Democrats who feel the same. Mrs. Trump garnered some of her highest rating among conservatives (82 percent), people over 65 (62 percent), college grads (62 percent) and those who live in urban areas (61 percent).

“Another interesting note on Melania Trump’s new poll numbers: men have a more favorable view of her than women. Fifty-eight percent of men view her positively, and 46 percent of women. Michelle Obama’s numbers in that category were dramatically flip-flopped with 78 percent women and 68 percent men. Laura Bush was split fairly evenly between the two, 56 percent women, 55 percent men,” CNN noted in its analysis of the findings.

Mrs. Trump - who wore a simple black dress - received a standing ovation from her guests during a women’s luncheon at the White House on Wednesday. From the White House press pool report of the event:

“There were seven tables of seven seats apiece, each table adorned with a centerpiece including pharoah tulips and sweet pea flowers, primarily purple and lavender.”

“Spotted at the luncheon: Karen Pence, Kellyanne Conway, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump.”