POLITICS
What are the reasons Melania Trump has been absent from Donald Trump’s campaign?
The former first lady of the US has never been one in the limelight during a presidential campaign, of which this is her third.
Melania Trump’s absence from Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has been a topic of intrigue and speculation as the race for the White House prepares to enter its final two-month sprint.
Her recent, albeit brief, appearance at the Republican National Convention marks the only time she has been involved with the 2024 election.
Despite being a former first lady, Melania has chosen to maintain a low profile, largely staying out of the public eye during her husband’s campaign events and also his legal proceedings. Observers have noted that her approach contrasts with that of other political spouses, who often play active roles in their partners’ campaigns. Both Kamala Harris and tim Walz’s partners have been on stage with them at rallies, while JD Vance’s wife has become a target for the Republican far-right.
However, this isn’t unusual for Melania and Donald. She has always kept his political campaigns at an arm’s length from her. This is consistent with her approach during Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, where she often opted to remain at home with their son, Barron, rather than accompany her husband on the campaign trail. She didn’t move into the White House until June 2017, some six months after her husband.
Donald Trump has addressed questions about Melania’s absence, describing her as a private person who will participate in the campaign when the time is right. In a September 2023 interview with Meet the Press, Trump said, “She’s a private person, a great person, a very confident person, and she loves our country very much. She’ll be — at the appropriate time — she’ll be out there.”
Melania was present at her son’s graduation with Donald.
What about the criminal trials?
While Melania has remained silent depite the numerous trials affecting her husband, Trump’s children have been far more vocal. Donald Trump Jr. said“The Democrats have succeeded in their years long attempt to turn America into a third-world s‑‑‑hole,” after his father’s conviction.