'It must be date night': Conspiracy theories swirl online as Melania Trump breaks tradition and skips presidential debate

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Former first lady Melania Trump was notably absent from the first presidential debate held on Thursday, June 27, between former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. This sparked various speculations and discussions regarding her not being by her husband's side.

The Trump campaign did not provide any comments about its guests at the debate, nor did Melania Trump’s office respond to inquiries about her attendance.

When questioned by NBC News about Melania's presence, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “I have no specific names, but you will find out when he lands in Atlanta.” Despite this, Melania was nowhere to be seen upon the former president's arrival.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, Trump was accompanied by several aides, including top campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, former Trump campaign aide Corey Lewandowski, communications aide Margo Martin, and bodyman Walt Nauta.

When a CNN reporter noted on X that Melania Trump did not deplane with Trump, the campaign's rapid response account retorted, “CNN reporter arrives in Atlanta for the debate and is not accompanied by a spouse or partner. SAD!”

Melania Trump's minimal involvement in Donald Trump's campaign

Melania Trump has maintained a low profile throughout her husband’s White House bid. She attended Trump's campaign launch in 2022 but has not been seen at any of his rallies or on stage during key primary victories.

Additionally, she was absent during Trump's trial in New York City, where he was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money scheme during the 2016 campaign. Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention where he is expected to be named the GOP presidential nominee.

Melania was last seen publicly at her son Barron Trump’s high school graduation in May. She also hosted a fundraiser for the LGBTQ group Log Cabin Republicans at Mar-a-Lago in April and appeared with Trump in March when they cast their ballots in the Florida primary.

She is slated to host another fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans in New York next month. When reporters asked Melania in March if she would return to the campaign trail, she replied, “Stay tuned.”

Some political pundits predict Melania may not move back into the White House if her husband wins in November.

Kate Andersen Brower, an expert on the White House and first ladies, commented, “She’s distancing herself even more from her husband and from the Washington social-political scene.”

Katherine Jellison, a history professor at Ohio University who studies first ladies, noted that the Trumps often deviate from traditional behavior. “But everything the Trumps do seems to be against the standard playbook of how candidates and spouses behave,” Jellison remarked.

Social media speculates why Melania Trump skipped the debate

Social media platforms were rife with conspiracy theories after Melania Trump’s absence from the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

"That says a lot," one social media wrote on X.

"Melania MIA. It must be date night," another alleged.

"Trump's WIFE doesn't stand with him. Nor his VP. Nor his cabinet. If the people who know him best don't support him, why should ANYONE?" someone else asked.

"I'm completely unsurprised. If he's this horrible in public, imagine how horrible he is to his family," one comment read.

"Probably not part of her art of the deal with Trumpy," another said.

As noted by the Independent, the debate itself was a historic event, marking the first televised debate between a former and sitting president.

CNN, the network hosting the debate, eliminated a live audience and muted candidates’ microphones when it was not their turn to speak.

President Biden spent much of the previous week at Camp David preparing for the debate with his close advisers.

On the other hand, Trump prioritized policy discussions with his allies over formal debate preparation. The debate did not bode well for Biden, as it raised concerns about his health and cognitive abilities following a lackluster performance.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.