Melania Trump appears to be mastering the art of Washington politics more than we’ve acknowledged. She made minimal public appearances during the campaign, secured a comfortable office upon her husband’s election, and even managed to share a kiss with California’s charismatic Governor, Gavin Newsom, in recent weeks.
Since the inauguration, however, Melania has been conspicuously absent from the public eye. While Donald Trump has been making headlines with the precision of a news cycle tsunami, Melania’s whereabouts have been a mystery. She was last seen with Trump in North Carolina, playing the role of the supportive spouse during a hurricane response event on January 24th. That was the day Newsom cheekily kissed her, overshadowing any political discourse with a moment of unexpected affection.
As Trump has been aggressively signing executive orders and making headline after headline, Melania’s absence has become more pronounced. She missed the Super Bowl, where Trump was accompanied by his daughter Ivanka, whom some have dubbed the “other First Lady.”
Moreover, Melania’s absence extends beyond family events. She was notably absent during significant political moments like the signing of the Laken Riley Act, meetings with international leaders, and even a special dinner at the White House for Republican senators. Her social media presence has dwindled to almost nothing, with her last significant post being an official portrait, and a tweet about a tragic aviation incident following significant changes in government safety oversight.
Before the inauguration, Melania announced to Fox News that she intended to be a full-time First Lady but with the caveat that she would also spend time in New York and Palm Beach as needed. This statement now seems more telling than ever. Is Melania distancing herself from her husband’s current administration, perhaps due to his controversial affiliations or the sheer exhaustion of his public persona?
The term “Elonia” has been coined to describe the bizarrely frequent presence of Elon Musk around Trump, more so than Melania herself since Trump’s first term. It’s an intriguing dynamic that raises questions about Melania’s role, visibility, and perhaps, her personal and political strategy in this tumultuous political landscape.
As the Trump administration continues to dominate the news, Melania’s choice to retreat from the spotlight could be a calculated move or a sign of deeper personal or political disengagement. Either way, her absence speaks volumes in an era where every action or inaction by the First Family is scrutinized.
The President and I are excited to reopen the White House to those interested in the extraordinary story of this iconic and beautiful landmark. There is much to learn about the American Presidency, the First Families who have lived here, and our Nation’s rich history from a… pic.twitter.com/wsel0Dpn2I
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) February 12, 2025