Former Melania Trump Advisor Accuses First Lady of ‘Covering Up Family’s Nefarious Activities’

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former close advisor and friend of Melania Trump, has publicly alleged that the former First Lady engaged in questionable actions to cover up “her family’s nefarious activities,” according to Nicki Swift. Wolkoff, who was once a trusted confidante, has become an outspoken critic of Melania, claiming that the former First Lady misled the public during her time in the White House.

Wolkoff initially worked with Melania during the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency, a period that now seems to contrast sharply with her current stance. Responding to a social media post by political commentator Geraldo Rivera on December 4, Wolkoff sharply criticized him for “creating excuses” for Melania, as per Newsweek.

She wrote, “Melania knowingly LIES and covers up her family’s nefarious activities.” Wolkoff went on to accuse Melania of remaining silent while Wolkoff herself was “falsely defamed, sued, and criminally investigated,” despite Melania allegedly admitting in private recordings that Wolkoff “served truthfully and honorably.”

Wolkoff has also claimed that Melania’s recent appearance at a memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was simply for publicity. “Melania made this service a photo-op for herself, instead of handling her appearance with dignity and humility,” she criticized X (formerly Twitter).

The rift between Wolkoff and Melania began when questions emerged over the funding of Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Wolkoff alleged that the Trump Organization was “directly involved” in managing the inaugural committee’s $107 million budget, suggesting that funds may have been redirected to settle unrelated business debts.

In her 2020 book, Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady, Wolkoff chronicled her 15-year friendship with Melania, her work on the inauguration, and her eventual departure from the White House. Shortly after the book’s release, Wolkoff faced a lawsuit from the Trump administration, claiming she had violated a nondisclosure agreement.

Wolkoff also painted a stark picture of Melania and Donald Trump’s marriage, describing it as “transactional.” In a November 2023 interview with The Washington Post, she said, “She has stood by him and will continue to stand by him because she is just like him. It’s a completely transactional marriage for both. She knew exactly who she married and warned him that all his secrets would come out if he ran for president.”

In 2020, Wolkoff leaked covertly recorded tapes of Melania, including one instance where Melania appeared to vent her frustrations about her role in the White House. “They say I’m complicit. I’m the same as him, I support him. I don’t say enough; I don’t do enough where I am,” Melania was heard saying.

These revelations have fueled debates about Melania’s role in the Trump administration and her motivations, casting a shadow over her tenure as First Lady and highlighting tensions between public image and personal loyalty within the Trump family.