“Melania Does What Melania Wants” Speculation Grows on Her Role in a Possible Second Trump Term
As speculations swirl around former President Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, many are also wondering about the role Melania Trump would play if her husband secures a second term. Known for her reclusive nature during Trump’s first term, the former first lady is unlikely to change her low-profile stance, according to insights from Axios and several Melania-watchers.
During Trump’s previous tenure, Melania’s presence in Washington, D.C., was so minimal that it sparked widespread speculation about her actual residence—whether in the White House or with her parents in the suburbs. Now, with rumors of her son Barron attending NYU, experts believe she would prefer dividing her time between Palm Beach and New York rather than the capital.
Kate Andersen Brower, a seasoned author on the White House and its first ladies, remarked on Melania’s apparent detachment from the political scene. “She’s distancing herself even more from her husband and from the Washington social-political scene,” Brower said. “I mean, she clearly hated being in Washington.”
Mary Jordan, a Washington Post associate editor and author of a book on Melania, shed light on Melania’s views about her former role. She sees the First Lady’s position as “unelected, not paid,” which suggests her participation in a potential second term would be limited to necessary ceremonial appearances such as state dinners or special events. Jordan summed up Melania’s independent approach with, “Melania does what Melania wants.”
Despite Trump’s campaign promises that Melania would be more visible on the campaign trail this time around, her absence has been notable. She has not been seen alongside her husband at any of his trials, nor has she made any public appearances to support his campaign. The specifics of her role remain undisclosed, leaving the public and media guessing.
When pressed in March about when Melania would begin campaigning, Trump’s only response was, “Stay tuned,” hinting at involvement that remains uncertain. As the political landscape gears up for another heated election cycle, the role of the former first lady continues to be a subject of intrigue and speculation, with many questioning just how visible—or invisible—she will choose to be.