Melania Trump has distanced herself from the public eye of her husband’s campaign, holed up at Mar-a-Lago while watching Donald Trump’s behavior behind the scenes.
The former first lady and her husband were spotted together for the first time in seven months at a Mar-a-Lago Halloween party, after being noticeably absent from all of Trump’s court appearances this year.
Melania prefers to remain a mystery to the media, but is ‘occasionally’ present behind the scenes of the campaign and is not afraid to give her opinion, reports say The Washington Post.
On Halloween, Melania walked a few steps ahead of her husband as they walked through the dining room, just days before Trump’s sons Donald Jr. and Eric would testify in their father’s fraud trial in New York.
Before that, the pair were previously spotted at Easter when they had lunch together at the Palm Beach club.
Melanie was seen walking a few steps ahead of her husband in their first public spot together in seven months
Trump and Melania at an Easter brunch at Mar-a-Lago, after she was notably missing from his court appearance over alleged hush money payments the week before
Trump has faced several charges this year, including charges related to hush money payments, classified documents, election interference and “operating a criminal enterprise” to overturn the 2020 election.
Stephanie Grisham, her former chief of staff, told The Washington Post that Melania was less angry that her husband tried to buy Stormy Daniel’s silence, and more angry that the cheating allegations had publicly embarrassed her.
Despite not appearing at court hearings, the former first lady will support her husband, former confidantes said.
“No amount of research, no amount of cheating, lying, stealing, you name it, is going to change that,” said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melania’s former friend and advisor.
“She has supported him and will continue to support him because she is just like him. It is a completely transactional marriage for both of them. She knew exactly who she was marrying and warned him that all his secrets would be exposed if he ran for president.”
Winston Wolkoff said, “She knew exactly what she was getting into. She has accepted it and she continues to accept it. People would be surprised if they agree on things.”
Melania has always preferred to keep to herself and stay out of politics. She skipped events because she didn’t feel like it or said her husband didn’t need her there.
“She always said she would do whatever she wanted to do,” Winston Wolkoff said. “It was a way to protect her by not letting anyone fully know who she is.”
The former first lady has said she is focusing on her son Barron (right) and staying out of Donald’s campaign
Barron and Melania sit together at the announcement of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign
“We discussed how her deliberate lack of communication with the media would keep everyone in the dark and ultimately perpetuate the narrative of mystery and enigma.”
Since leaving the White House, Melania has made limited appearances but has collected $500,000 in fees from the Log Cabin Republicans and an organization called Fix California, reported The New York Times.
She also launched several collections of NFTs, including a handmade ornament and its accompanying animated NFT version to help fund college scholarships for foster children.
Aides have said they welcome her presence because Trump behaves better when his wife is around.
She has suggested that Trump stop mocking transgender weightlifters and stop dancing on stage.
Trump told a crow in Sioux City, Iowa, that his wife told him, “Honey, I love you so much, but this isn’t presidential.” When you lift weights. This isn’t presidential. And when you’re swimming, that’s not the case.’
With the 2024 presidential election and Donald Trump’s legal troubles, Melanie has said she is focusing on her son Barron.
When Trump’s mugshot from Georgia was released, a source told People magazine, “Melania is good at taking care of business, including her own life, her son’s life and the lives of her immediate family members.”
“She wouldn’t stand in a circle of people she knows and openly comment on the lawsuits or the mug shot. She will find her way to deal with this and everything else publicly if she feels like it.”
“Another shield,” Winston Wolkoff said. “You can’t say anything bad about a good mother.”
While Barron is finishing high school in the Palm Beach area, Melania hasn’t been seen much in the area.
Staffers have said Melania is on the campaign trail ‘occasionally’ but that Donald Trump listens to her opinions
Donald and Melanie Trump pictured together at Ivana Trump’s funeral on July 20, 2022 in New York City
“She came in sometimes, but no one had seen her for years,” said a Salvatore Ferragamo salesperson.
‘It is a quiet, safe oasis here. That’s why you see celebrities around. But for some reason not her.”
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement to The Washington Post: “There will always be those who seek relevance and financial gain by immersing themselves in stories.”
‘Mrs. Trump has always been and will always be focused on her family because it is her number one priority. Any reports claiming insight into her life should be read with caution.”