Ex-Aide Reveals Melania Trump’s Alleged Indifference to Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Alon Skuy
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former aide and close confidante of Melania Trump, has shared new allegations about the former First Lady’s indifference to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Wolkoff recently posted screenshots of text messages on X (formerly Twitter) that, if authentic, reveal Melania’s detached stance on visiting the island after the catastrophic hurricane.
In her post, Wolkoff stated, “While Melania hides behind her façade attacking me—TRUTH DESERVES A VOICE,” before sharing screenshots that appear to show their conversation. In the messages, Wolkoff suggests that Melania should visit Puerto Rico to demonstrate empathy, given her attendance at other crisis-related events. Melania’s response is blunt and dismissive, simply stating, “I AM NOT.”
When Wolkoff presses, questioning if her absence might be conspicuous given her participation in other crisis responses, Melania replies with the same brevity: “I am not.” She later adds, “WW is begging me to go with POTUS,” referring to then-President Donald Trump’s planned visit. These revelations come at a sensitive time for the Trump campaign, especially in light of recent controversial comments made by conservative comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, per NBC News.
During a Trump rally in New York City, Hinchcliffe made offensive remarks about Puerto Rico, calling it “a floating island of garbage” and targeting the Latino community with degrading stereotypes. “These Latinos, they love making babies,” he stated, adding, “They come inside, just like they did to our country.” These comments sparked outrage, drawing condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum.
The Trump campaign quickly distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, with senior adviser Danielle Alvarez emphasizing, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” Prominent Republican figures also condemned the comments. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, responded, “This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values. Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded.
This bravery deserves respect.” Sen. Rick Scott echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!” Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the incident during a livestream, telling her viewers, “I need people to understand that when you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico floating garbage, know that that’s what they think about you.” The backlash has been intense, putting the Trump campaign on the defensive, as per Newsweek.
Wolkoff’s release of the alleged messages further complicates the situation for Melania Trump. Her relationship with Wolkoff deteriorated following a controversy surrounding the 2017 inauguration, where Wolkoff’s firm was initially reported to have received $26 million for event planning. Wolkoff has maintained that she personally earned only $1.6 million, claiming she was made a scapegoat amid broader criticisms of the administration’s handling of the inauguration.
This latest revelation from Wolkoff adds to an already complex narrative surrounding Melania Trump’s public image and the ongoing debate over the Trump family’s empathy and connection with diverse communities. With the 2024 election drawing closer, these insights—whether fully accurate or partially disputed—continue to shape public perceptions of Melania and her relationship with both her former aides and the American people.
