A glimpse into Melania and Donald Trump's relation: Hate for birthdays and why Barron never had a nanny
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Melania Trump has once again captured the media's attention with speculations that she may not reside in the White House if her husband, Donald Trump, is re-elected.
The alleged decision would break a tradition spanning over two centuries for first ladies.
Melania Trump: A First Lady with her own mind
For those familiar with Melania Trump, her independent outlook is not surprising. Over the years, she has distanced herself from the political limelight and has openly admitted that she has her "own mind," a quality she believes her husband appreciates, the Daily Mail reported.
Melania's absence from Donald Trump's court hearings in May and her minimal involvement in his first term show that she'd rather steer clear of the political noise in her life.
Melania's inclination to stay out of the spotlight was evident shortly after Donald Trump assumed office in 2016. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, she explained her decision to avoid public political engagement, saying, "I'm choosing not to go political in public because that is my husband's job."
"I'm very political in my private life, and between me and my husband, I know everything that is going on. I have my own mind. I am my own person, and I think my husband likes that about me," she added.
Her priority, as she consistently maintained, was her son Barron, born in 2006. Despite having the means to hire numerous nannies, Melania chose to raise Barron hands-on.
She told People magazine in 2015, "I like to be hands-on. I think it's very important. He needs somebody as a parent there, so I am with him all the time. As you know, my husband is traveling all the time."
Melania Trump's career after marriage and before White House
Before her marriage and subsequent role in the White House, Melania enjoyed a successful modeling career. Discovered at 16 by photographer Stane Jerko in 1987, she achieved success in Paris and Milan before moving to New York City at 26. She became known for a Camel cigarette billboard ad in Times Square.
Melania maintained her physique by walking around her home wearing ankle weights and consuming seven pieces of fruit daily—a habit she continues today. Her favorite fruits are peaches and apples, and she enjoys a breakfast smoothie with spinach, carrots, blueberries, apple juice, and fat-free yogurt.
Melania met Donald Trump in 1998, and the couple married in 2005. Now, she is an entrepreneur with her own skincare line and jewelry collections. She has also guest-hosted 'The View' several times.
In an interview with Parenting Magazine, Melania explained the dynamics of her marriage, emphasizing their mutual independence.
"My life is very normal—for me. Maybe for some people, they would not think that. But for me, it is. I know my husband. We have a great relationship. We are both very independent. We know what our roles are and we are happy with them."
She further elaborated, "I don't think you need to be with your husband every minute of every day. Both people should do what their passion is and then get together in the mornings and evenings and share and experience life and have a great time. You know that saying, 'Work hard and play harder?' That's what we do."
Melania Trump's absence from Donald Trump's birthday raises eyebrows
Melania raised eyebrows on June 14 when she did not attend Donald Trump's 78th birthday party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. This could partly be due to Trump's own disdain for celebrating his birthday. His ex-wife Ivana once famously claimed, "Donald hates his birthday."
During a recent event in Las Vegas, Trump himself scolded supporters who attempted to sing "Happy Birthday," saying, "You know. There's a certain point at which you don't want to hear 'Happy Birthday'. You just want to pretend the day doesn't exist."
Despite not sharing a birthday message for her husband on social media, some analysts believe Melania's decision reflects her ongoing separation from his political life. They speculate that if Trump wins another term, she will split her time between Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York City, especially as Barron is expected to attend New York University.
Melania will reportedly only travel to Washington, DC, for ceremonial duties such as state dinners and special events.
That said, the former FLOTUS continues to contribute to her husband's campaign despite largely distancing herself from politics. She is set to host the conservative LGBT group 'Log Cabin Republicans' for a fundraiser at Trump Tower in New York next month.
When reporters asked if Americans could expect to see more of her on the campaign trail this time around, she coyly responded, "Stay tuned."
