Melania Trump ‘keeps a firm hand’ on husband Donald, Brigitte Macron says: French first lady says ex-president ‘obeys’ his ‘strong’ wife – and listens when she ‘taps her watch at dinner’ and tells him it is time to leave
- Brigitte Macron described Melania Trump as ‘very sweet’
- The French first lady gave a rare interview to Paris Match
- But she also said that Melania has a “strong personality” and mentors her husband
Melania Trump is a ‘strong personality’ who controls Donald Trump, according to the first lady of France.
Brigitte Macron described Melania Trump as ‘very sweet’ in a rare interview with Paris Match.
“But she holds her husband tight,” Macron noted. ‘When she taps her watch during dinner, her husband understands that it is time to get up and leave. He obeys. She has a strong personality.’
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron spent time with the Trumps in 2018 when the American couple visited France. The Trumps had also hosted the Macrons for a state visit that same year.
French First Lady Brigitte Macron (right) with then First Lady Melania Trump (left) in Paris in November 2018
In the White House, Donald and Melania were known to have separate bedrooms and their own schedules.
But at social events, the then-president often looked to his wife for behavioral cues, such as when to talk to someone and when to leave.
The then-first lady would also assist with White House operations.
She played a central role during the October 2019 raid to kill ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, joining the action in the White House Situation Room and suggesting that Donald Trump highlight Conan, the hero military dog, who played a role in the action. .
Her power lay more behind the scenes, as she rarely spoke in public or gave media interviews.
Brigitte Macron got to see some of the behind-the-scenes action when the Trumps and Macrons exchanged visits in 2018.
The Macrons went to Washington DC for an official visit in April. And Donald Trump and Melania went to France in November to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War I.
Brigitte and Melania seemed to have a good relationship when they saw each other.
They hugged and exchanged kisses on the cheek. Both women are stylish and known for their dressing sense.
While Melania was in Paris in 2018, the couple seemed happy to see each other as they kissed and held hands.
Melania wore black and Brigitte wore navy blue.
Then-President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron for a state dinner in April 2018
The Trumps and Macrons visited Mount Vernon in Virigina
At the White House state dinner in April 2018, the two had the chance to shine in formal attire.
Melania wore a black Chantilly lace haute couture gown by Chanel, which was hand-painted with silver and embroidered with crystals and sequins.
Brigitte wore a full-length cream Louis Vuitton dress with long sleeves and gold brocade detailing.
Donald and Melania spent much of the dinner side by side, holding hands.
But in recent days, Melania Trump has rarely been seen in public at Donald Trump’s side.
She joined him in New York on Friday for the funeral of his sister, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry.
And she has been seen with her husband within the confines of their private homes and clubs.
But she has not appeared by his side in his legal battle. The former president faces criminal charges in Florida, Georgia, New York and Washington, DC.
And while Melania Trump has said she supports her husband’s bid for a second term in the White House, she hasn’t appeared at one of his campaign events in nearly a year — not since he announced his 2024 bid in Mar- a-Lago announced. November 15, 2022.
Melania was spotted in New York City last summer with her son Barron.