The Mysterious First Lady Melania Trump Is Entering a New Phase

Melania Trump sent a heartfelt message to the country the morning after her husband’s successful election night. “Most Americans have placed a great deal of responsibility on us,” she said. “We will protect the core of the republic—freedom,” she promised, urging everyone to move beyond their differences for the country’s sake. Her message was concise but indicated a fresh approach to her role as First Lady in this new term.

Melania remained in New York with their little son during Trump’s first election in 2016, seemingly apprehensive about the traditional responsibilities of a first lady.

Experts think that this time, she might approach her vague role with more consideration. During one of the most turbulent presidential terms in history, the 54-year-old former Slovenian model, born Melanija Knavs, traded in her opulent life in Manhattan’s Trump Tower for a politically heated life at the White House. Melania had a lower presence in public and on the trails because she was more mysterious than past first ladies.

“Her independence is what makes her unique,” said Tammy Vigil, a professor of communications at Boston University and the author of research on Michelle and Melania Obama. “She behaves independently, adhering to expectations only slightly but successfully.”

While running for a second term, Melania remained quiet amid Trump’s legal fights, which led to media enquiries about her whereabouts.

She did appear at important events, including the late 2022 announcement of Trump’s fresh campaign. She defied convention by not speaking at the Republican National Convention in July while sporting a bright red Christian Dior outfit. When Melania does talk, she frequently chooses her words carefully to express her point of view.

Her succinct but forceful statements at a rally in Madison Square Garden prior to the elections echoed Trump’s themes of law and order, emphasising the problems with crime in New York City.

She urged togetherness and denounced the assailant as a “monster” following the initial attempt on Trump’s life. She blamed the media and Trump’s political opponents for inciting the animosity that resulted in the attack in a rare Fox appearance.

Melania confirmed her pro-choice views in her most recent memoir, which may have been in opposition to her husband’s political base but may have offered her spouse support in the face of efforts to repeal Roe v. Wade.

Although she chooses to withhold details, her book explores her modelling career, her friendship with Trump, and her previous political disputes. She openly supported Trump on controversial issues, such as his claims that the 2020 election was rigged.

“I wasn’t the only one questioning the results,” she said in her memoir, claiming that her focus on official responsibilities prevented her from being aware of the Capitol rioting on January 6. Stephanie Grisham, her former spokesperson, resigned after disclosing in her book that Melania refused to officially condemn the assault.

Some commentators questioned her passion amid rumours that she enjoyed the role of first lady. Despite her early misgivings, Melania reportedly enjoyed her job, according to her biographer and former CNN journalist Kate Bennett.

In 2021, Bennett told People magazine, “She relished the benefits of living in the White House and being the first lady.” In her memoir, Melania expressed her sense of obligation to use her position for the greater good. She stated in a 1999 conversation that she intended to follow in the footsteps of prior first lady Betty Ford and Jacqueline Kennedy, calling them “very traditional.”

While Mrs. Ford was revolutionary in her support of women’s rights and abortion, Mrs. Kennedy was acclaimed for her sense of style and preservation work at the White House. Following her move to Washington, Melania took on the responsibilities of a first lady, including entertaining visiting dignitaries with dinners and state luncheons.

Observing White House improvements, she oversaw massive remodelling and ostentatious Christmas décor (most notably heard on a covert tape complaining about the latter). When she visited a migrant kid detention facility in 2018, her outfit selections, including the jacket that stated, “I really don’t care, do you?” caused a stir in the media.

It was a message to “critics and the left-wing media,” she clarified. Melania was heard ranting about the criticism of her husband’s border policy of separating children on another recording. She explained to Trump why she opposed the policy, which was eventually changed in 2018 in response to public uproar. Prof.

Vigil points out that among Melania’s challenges were her inexperience in politics and her frequently erratic support system. However, Vigil claims that she continued her projects, such as the Be Best campaign, which addressed internet bullying and children’s welfare. When pressed to defend the campaign, she told CBS that her husband’s internet behaviour was harmful but increased his following.

Melania also discussed the effects of the drug issue on kids and established a foundation to help foster kids with their schooling. Although her residency is still unknown, many expect her to return to Washington and continue this work. According to Professor Vigil, Melania will make thoughtful decisions about her public persona as the first lady’s role develops. “From now on, she will behave with greater intention.”