Melania repeatedly refuses Donald Trump’s requests to join his presidential campaign: Donald Trump’s wife Melania is reportedly hesitant to board the Trump Train – certainly at least from a campaign perspective.
The former president is now in his eighth month of active campaigning since his announcement in November.
Melania was present at the launch of his 2024 presidential bid, but, aside from a Fox News interview in May, she has not spoken publicly on his campaign since, according to the New York Times.
Furthermore, the former first lady did not attend his court hearings in either the Stormy Daniels or classified documents cases.
Life after the White House
The Times published a lengthy profile on Mrs. Trump’s “very private life” on Tuesday, detailing her activities since leaving the White House on January 20, 2021. Mrs. Trump’s love for privacy has seen a relatively quiet post-presidential period for the former first lady.
The Times notes how she has no plans for a book tour, nor a major expansion of charitable efforts, as seen with some of her predecessors. However, she reportedly keeps in contact with a small group of former White House colleagues, such as designer Rachel Roy and Palm Beach networker Hilary Ross.
Reportedly, she takes a keen interest in the British tabloid publication Mail Online, while having expressed curiosity in Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Governor – and main GOP rival to Trump – Ron DeSantis.
The two women could not be further apart in terms of their campaigning efforts; Mrs. DeSantis has been far more vocal in support for her husband, even speaking at rallies on her own accord on occasion.
Mrs. Trump, on the other hand, has appeared in a single television interview, expressing support for her husband’s campaign.
“He has my support, and we look forward to restoring hope for the future and leading America with love and strength,” she told Fox News in May.
She also highlighted her desire to continue working with children, a key focus in her previous term as first lady.
Lack of showing due to lack of support?
The Times reported that despite her lack of public support for her husband’s campaign, Mrs. Trump is still very much in favor of a return to the White House.
Melania also believes it’s possible, despite the ever-growing active legal cases, both civil and criminal, against her husband Donald.
The 77-year-old is the clear favorite in the race of Republican nominee, and his indictments seem to be helping, rather than hindering, the former president’s popularity.
Mrs. Trump remains popular among conservative women, although she is expected to join the campaign trial next year.
Moreover, The Times say the couple have discussed priorities ahead of a potential second term, although it provided no further details on what such priorities would be.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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