Melania Trump has received a six-figure paycheck for a rare appearance at a political event, raising questions about her engagement with her husband’s campaign.
This year, Melania Trump has largely stayed away from the campaign trail. However, she got paid $237,500 for a speaking engagement at an April fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans, as disclosed in former President Donald Trump’s latest financial report. This significant payment is unusual for the spouse of a candidate.
The payment’s source remains unclear. Charles Moran, president of the Log Cabin Republicans, stated that the organization did not provide the funds, leaving uncertainty about who actually issued the check. Ahead of another fundraiser in July, there were indications that a donor was approached about a similar payment for Melania Trump, but it’s unclear if any payment was made for that event.
Experts in campaign finance and ethics have expressed concern over such payments. Virginia Canter, chief ethics counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, noted that paying a candidate’s spouse to appear at fundraisers is uncommon and raises ethical questions.
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“It seems pretty self-serving. From my own general observation, I’m not used to seeing that,” said Canter.
Supporters of Melania Trump have defended her right to be compensated for her appearances, citing her value in fundraising efforts. A person close to her mentioned that she views her time as “priceless.”
This isn’t the first time Melania Trump has received significant payments for speaking engagements. In December 2022, she was paid $250,000 for a similar event and has a history of appearances at Log Cabin Republican events.
Overall, her sparse presence on the campaign trail, coupled with substantial speaking fees, has fueled speculation about her motivations and relationship with her husband’s political ambitions.
Melania Trump’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
