The bold, confident, free-thinking modern woman who will soon occupy the White House is not named Kamala Harris.
In her new New York Times bestselling memoir, Melania Trump shares a revealing look at her personal life and journey—from a childhood in small-town Slovenia, to traveling the world as a young model, to her courtship and marriage to one of the most famous men in the world. world.
She also corrects the facts, challenges her critics, and clarifies her positions on a range of issues, from abortion (she is pro-choice) to the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports (female athletes should always be “protected and respected”).
In fact, she sounds like many female voters who are struggling with the whiplash changes brought about by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ time in the White House.
The bold, confident, free-thinking modern woman who will soon occupy the White House is not named Kamala Harris. (Photo: Kellyanne with Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in 2019).
“The country is suffering,” she writes. “We have wars all over the world… The border is open and dangerous… there’s a lot of fentanyl coming over and killing our youth…” The economy really isn’t great, inflation is high.”
I have known and worked with Melania for many years and consider her a friend.
She has been unfairly vilified and the target of so much speculation and deception. That’s why it was so great to see her own “October Surprise,” a memoir in her own words on her own timeline, showcasing the measured, big-hearted woman that tens of millions of Americans love.
Earlier this year, Melania and I lost our mothers just weeks apart. Even as she dealt with her loss in the public eye, Melania did everything she could to be there for me. She and President Trump called, sent flowers, handwritten notes and visited me again and again.
After my divorce was finalized last year, Melania showed up again, supporting me like any caring friend would and encouraging me to swing open soldered doors after a time of personal turmoil and transition.
And it was the same story when we worked together in the White House. While Jill Biden insisted on being called “Doctor,” Melania was admired and loved by both political and tenured staffers. She asked for their children by name, welcomed them to events large and small, and treated them with inclusivity and respect.
Known as a protective and present mother, Melania is now using her memoir to expose the “sheer evil” of unfunny comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who in 2016 tweeted vile and completely unsubstantiated claims about Barron, then 10 years old .
It was just weeks after Trump had stunned the world and won, and the same liberal media and Hollywood types who perpetuated every vicious attack on him reveled in O’Donnell’s vile lie making its way across social media.
It was a shock to see such naked cruelty to a first child, especially since so many of us had treated Chelsea Clinton and the Obama daughters like Fabergé eggs. Children (mine included) should always be off limits.
I have known and worked with Melania for many years and consider her a friend. (Pictured together in 2018 during a visit to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center).
Earlier this year, Melania and I lost our mothers just weeks apart. Even as she dealt with her loss in the public eye, Melania did everything she could to be there for me. She and President Trump called, sent flowers, handwritten notes and visited me again and again. (Photo: together with Trump at the White House in 2019).
But instead of going to war, Melania acted quickly and tenderly to protect her son. She channeled mothers’ outrage into a first lady’s focus on child welfare initiatives and cyberbullying awareness. Her “Be Best” campaign remains a highlight of her time in office.
Melania has never been one to put on make-up and pose. Other first ladies used their role to land on the cover of fashion magazines, but she only did that as a successful model years before.
Even when I suggested that she push back on the countless false claims made by the media or ungrateful former staffers who have lost her trust in them with self-serving lies and revisionist history, she has rejected it, knowing that her silence is always more powerful.
Behind closed doors, Trump has considered his wife an important confidante and counselor for decades. Whether he’s an international business mogul, a TV star or, lately, leader of the free world, it’s Melania’s opinion that he has consistently sought out.
Trump enjoys the company of many friends and takes a range of advice, but he speaks about – and to – Melania in a completely unique way. Really, he’s scared, but he still reveres her. He respects her independence, asks for her input, trusts her sharp eye, sharp ear and sense of people.
I have witnessed their relationship up close, and it is fundamentally based on mutual love and respect. Recently, as Barron headed off to college and Melania prepared to publish her memoir, I jokingly asked Trump what it would feel like to be the second-most popular man and the second-most prominent author in the household . He chuckled and admitted.
Melania Trump has a lot to say and nothing to prove. She’s not the typical political spouse, rushing to the cameras on matters best handled privately, or loudly offering insights or put-downs about her husband’s political opponents à la Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.
She is an asset, a partner, an equal who neither tries to control — looking at you, Jill Biden — nor is controlled by her partner. She is what many feminists insist she is: independent, a product of her own choices, comfortable in her own skin.
She has been by Trump’s side this entire time. Although never in its shadow. In fact, from the very first moment they descended the golden escalator, she has been at the forefront.