Secrets & Scandals Of America’s First Ladies

How it All Started

With the pressure building, Eleanor felt alone and worried about what she would be facing. She looked for someone to help curb her fears but instead of turning to the most likely confidant, her husband FDR, she turned to female reporters covering his 1932 campaign. These reporters became close friends and that is how Eleanor became close with Hickok. In 1932, Eleanor invited Hickok to accompany her to a funeral. Their long lasting friendship was sparked during the long train ride en route to the funeral. By the time FDR was inaugurated in 1933, Hickok was Eleanor’s confidante and closest friend.

A Secret Love

It is speculated that they had a lesbian affair based on the correspondence they shared over the years. It is common knowledge that many presidents had affairs but you may be surprised to learn that Eleanor was no stranger to infidelity. Prior to being the First Lady, she was also rumored to have had an affair with a New York state trooper during her time as governor’s wife. Eleanor must have been pretty bored with her relationship with the president to stray so much! But in regards to her relationship with Lorena Hickok, many people questioned the extent of their relationship. Hickok was reportedly so in love with Eleanor, that her reports were no longer objective.