The chances of Trump divorcing Melania if he wins back the White House over her absence on campaign trail
WASHINGTON, DC: The most notable absence on former President Donald Trump's campaign trail as he vies for a second White House term is his wife, Melania Trump.
The former first lady did not accompany the GOP presumptive nominee to the crucial presidential debate in Atlanta last month to give him the traditional post-debate kiss. Neither was she there to offer her support when Trump was found guilty in the New York hush money case in May.
Unlike his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, where the real estate mogul stood alongside his former model-turned-wife, Trump has been alone on the 2024 campaign trail while traveling across the country.
Melania has confined her campaigning within her near spheres in the past months. In April, she addressed Log Cabin Republicans at Mar-a-Lago along with Caitlyn Jenner and Mehmet Oz. A second Log Cabin fundraiser will be held at the Trump Tower on July 8.
Melania's total disappearance from her husband's side has led to speculation that Trump might consider divorcing the mother of his youngest son Barron, if he wins the 2024 race in November, as "retribution" for her half-hearted attempt at campaigning.
Donald Trump being an understanding spouse as he needs Melania Trump's support to win
Despite scrutiny about his wife's absence, the former president attempted to portray himself as an understanding husband because he needs her support to enter the Oval Office again. In his appearance on NBC News 'Meet the Press' in September 2023, host Kristen Welker questioned whether Melania would join him on the trial soon.
"When it's appropriate, but pretty soon," the MAGA spearhead responded.
"She's a private person, a great person, a very confident person. And she loves our country very much. She'll be, she'll be — at the appropriate time, she'll be out there," he continued praising the ex-FLOTUS. Nevertheless, he also claimed that he liked to keep her away from the campaign, citing it was "so nasty and so mean."
Melania's absence could be a humiliating experience for Trump, who seldom shows reluctance to ridicule whoever opposes him. However, he is well aware of the significance of Melania's support for defeating President Joe Biden in November.
In the current situation, she has the leverage to decide her campaign schedule and how much money she would demand from her husband's PAC for each appearance.
Will Melania face Trump's 'retribution' if he wins in November?
Melania's leverage could turn upside down if the magnate wins the 2024 race. Trump has often declared his second presidency would be one of "retribution" against all his rivals.
Liz Cheney and Rep Adam Schiff are considered to be the first victims of his revenge tour. However, Melania too should contemplate her future in a second Trump administration.
If Melania enters the White House in January 2025 in the event her husband wins, Trump could be the first sitting president to divorce the first lady in the history of the United States.
The former president was married to his first wife, Ivana Trump, for 15 years, while he remained married to Marla Maples for only five years. Trump and Melania tied the knot in 2005, and they have been married for 19 years, the longest the ex-POTUS ever had.
Trump might wait till the 20th anniversary of his marriage to Melania to separate
The real estate mogul might not hit his third wife with the divorce papers immediately after he enters the White House (if he wins). He could probably wait for one more year until their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2025. But after that, he could seriously contemplate parting ways with Melania.
"A divorce between the Trumps is inconceivable," Manhattan divorce lawyer Raoul Felder, who represented former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in his second divorce, told The Daily Beast. "They've stuck through terrible difficulties in the past."
Nevertheless, Felder admitted that the ex-president has grown significantly since his time in office. "When he was running the first time, I could get him notes. Now you can't even get to him," the attorney noted, "He's one step from God."
In addition, the recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity came out in favor of Trump, who now enjoys protection from criminal prosecution for his official acts. Liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent, "The President is now a king above the law."
Therefore, Melania should be concerned about her future if her husband wins in November and might face a potential divorce over her half-hearted campaigning for Trump.
