Melania Trump’s ex-best friend has unveiled potential strategies for the former First Lady to assume control of Donald Trump’s businesses amidst the legal hurdles he confronts.
As per a Newsweek report, Melania is contemplating intervening to safeguard the family’s empire from the legal challenges posed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, albeit with specific conditions.
According to Melania’s former confidante, the former First Lady insists that Donald cannot solely place his jeopardized businesses under his name unless she is granted “significant control and power.” Additionally, Melania seeks legal assurances to shield herself from financial losses and the burden of tax obligations.
Newsweek goes on to reveal that Melania recently revised her prenuptial agreement with Donald, a move timed with the approaching 2024 election. The updated terms involve increased financial benefits, additional properties, and a more substantial trust for their 17-year-old son, Barron. Notably, this aligns with Melania’s established pattern of updating the prenup during each new election cycle.
Amidst Donald’s civil fraud trial over allegations of falsifying financial disclosures, the Trump family has already relinquished control of some crucial properties. This sparks speculation about whether Donald would transfer his businesses to family members, including Melania, who are not implicated in the case.
However, Melania’s former chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, casts doubt on Melania assuming such responsibility without specific conditions being met.
“I just don’t know that she would want to take on that much responsibility unless she was guaranteed some major control or power,” Grisham remarked.
Grisham suggests that Melania might only contemplate the move for Barron’s future, especially if he follows in his father’s footsteps and enters the real estate business.
“I suppose she would potentially do it for Barron’s sake so he could eventually run everything if he wanted, but I don’t think she would do anything if there’s a potential that she would lose any kind of money or be on the hook for paying taxes, etc.,” Grisham commented.
Legal experts weigh in on Melania’s cautious approach, with former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani highlighting the financial challenges faced by Donald Trump. Rahmani suggests that Melania’s desire to maintain financial distance from her husband is not surprising given the costly legal battles he is currently entangled in.
“Trump may be broke by the time the presidential election is over,” Rahmani told Newsweek. “He’s spending tens of millions of dollars to defend himself in four separate criminal cases, and the trials haven’t even started yet. Trump has been a fundraising machine, but that well will dry up if he loses the election again.”
