Melania Trump might have smiled politely and held her husband’s hand in Italy, but that public act ended the moment their feet hit U.S. soil.
After attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome — a rare appearance for the first lady — Melania and Donald Trump split ways immediately upon arrival in America. While Trump jumped on Marine One to head straight to his Bedminster golf club, Melania quietly got into a waiting SUV at Newark airport. The couple shared a quick, stiff kiss on the cheek before parting. That was it.
Despite talk earlier this year that Melania would be taking a more active role in Trump’s political life, she’s all but disappeared since he returned to the White House. Back in January, NPR reported she was returning to Washington “with significant experience under her belt.”
But instead of stepping into the spotlight, she vanished. Aside from the Pope’s funeral, Melania hasn’t shown up for any major events during Trump’s second term. She skipped the 2024 GOP convention. She hasn’t made speeches. She hasn’t even played the part of the supportive political wife.
Her absence is no accident. “She leads her own life and joins him when appropriate,” a source told People magazine. Another insider made it clear: Melania doesn’t seem interested in being seen, much less being part of Trump’s inner circle in any official way.
Nina Burleigh, author of The Trump Women, says Melania’s low profile is intentional.
“She’s an introvert by nature… She’s just not somebody who’s particularly innately suited to campaigning or public life. She’s happy to not do it,” she said, according to The Independent.
Burleigh adds that after the death of Melania’s mother in January, and with Trump shedding traditional expectations, there’s simply no reason for her to be out front anymore. “He doesn’t need to pretend that he’s a good husband and a father. It’s all done,” she said. “Putting her out there served its purpose in the first round.”
Compare that to Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, who’s been visible at diplomatic events, overseas trips, and even a family photo-op with India’s Prime Minister Modi. In contrast, Melania’s presence in the second Trump administration is like a ghost — occasionally appearing, mostly gone.
That could change — not because of politics, but because of money. A $40 million Amazon documentary about Melania’s life is set to be released later this year. It’s being directed by Brett Ratner, a once-big Hollywood name now better known for #MeToo-era misconduct allegations.
Burleigh suspects the cameras may draw Melania back out. “She’ll maybe come out of the woodwork then,” she said.
Until then, if anyone’s hoping for a revival of the doting political spouse routine, don’t hold your breath. Melania is doing her own thing — far away from the cameras, and even farther from Donald.
