Trump quips about moving to Fort Bragg with Melania one day, says 'it’s not a bad idea'

FORT BRAGG, NC: President Donald Trump, during his visit to Fort Bragg on Friday, February 13, jokingly suggested relocating his post-presidency home near a North Carolina military base. 

The light-hearted comment came during a speech to service members where Trump touted new military investments and honored the special operations units involved in the recent capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Donald Trump suggests move to Fort Bragg for life

While discussing his administration's plan to pour billions into base housing and local infrastructure, Trump paused to praise the community's character. 

He noted that the people in the area had "been so incredible" that he was considering a permanent move to the region after his retirement.

He turned the spotlight toward Melania Trump, suggesting they might relocate there together.  Addressing his wife directly, he asked, “We'll move to Fort Bragg. Would you like that, darling?”

The first lady, appearing in a rare joint outing with her husband, laughed and nodded in response, leading the president to tell the gathered troops, “She loves you.”

It is to be noted that President Trump visited Fort Bragg to congratulate troops who captured and removed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. 

Addressing the soldiers, he said, “With your help, America is winning again," Trump said. "America is respected again. And perhaps most importantly we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.” 

Donald Trump floats possibility of North Carolina residence at rally

President Trump continued to play with the idea of a North Carolina residence, telling the crowd, “It’s a possibility — actually, it's not a bad idea, because we love it.” 

Although the comments were made in jest, Trump does have existing family connections to the state through his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. 

This potential shift follows his 2019 decision to move his primary residence from New York to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. 

At that time, he expressed that while he cherished New York, he felt he had been "treated very badly by the political leaders of both the city and state" during various investigations into his conduct.

Donald Trump praises 'movie star' first lady during military base visit

A significant portion of the visit also highlighted the first lady’s new documentary, which focused on the preparations for the January 2025 inauguration. 

Trump took the opportunity to celebrate the film’s release and his wife's public image, telling the soldiers that the United States “is truly blessed to have such a phenomenal first lady.” 

Reflecting on her recent presence on the big screen and the $40 million deal surrounding the project, he added with a smile, “And now she’s a movie star.”