Trump reveals Melania and Barron's pivotal role in potential 2024 win despite them skipping rallies

Donald Trump said that he wants to protect his family, especially his wife Melania and son Barron, from 'nasty' politics in the 2024 presidential race
UPDATED SEP 4, 2024
Donald Trump revealed how his wife Melania Trump and son Barron Trump's roles could be crucial to his 2024 victory (Getty Images)
Donald Trump revealed how his wife Melania Trump and son Barron Trump's roles could be crucial to his 2024 victory (Getty Images)

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Donald Trump has pulled back the curtain on the strategic roles his wife Melania Trump, and youngest son Barron Trump are playing in his 2024 presidential campaign.

While the former first lady and her son have skipped the rally circuit, their influence looms large behind the scenes.

Why is Melania Trump steering clear of her husband's campaign rallies?

In a recent interview, Donald Trump shed light on why Melania Trump has been absent from the rally circuit. "It's not a question of that. It's a nasty world for me," he revealed, six weeks after an assassin's bullet missed him by less than an inch, ripping through his ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"It's not nasty for Democrats like it is for me. And I would like to have my family not have to go out there and go in front of some of the things that you know happen," he added.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk in their inaugural parade on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump was sworn-in as the 45th President of the United States. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty Images)
Melania Trump has appeared sparingly with her husband Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign events (Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty Images)

Despite her willingness to contribute, Melania's role has been largely protective, shielding her from the intense scrutiny and hostility that accompanies the campaign trail. "She’ll do whatever necessary," Trump affirmed. "But my kids haven't been treated properly. She hasn't been treated properly," reported Daily Mail.

Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, amid ongoing renovations, is abuzz with activity as the GOP presidential nominee and his team maneuver through the campaign. With a blend of familiar and new faces, including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, senior addition Corey Lewandowski, and Trump Organization executive vice president Eric Trump, the former president is blending traditional strategies with contemporary tactics.

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Donald Trump raised his fist in the air after getting shot at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024 (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) 

How Barron Trump is connecting dad Donald Trump with Gen Z?

Meanwhile, Barron Trump has emerged as a surprising asset in engaging younger voters. Trump's 18-year-old son has been pivotal in introducing his father to new digital platforms and influencers.

"He knows so much about it," the former president said, with evident pride. Barron’s adept use of social media has included high-profile collaborations, such as a livestream with influencer Adin Ross that attracted over 580,000 viewers.

ormer President Donald J. Trump, Melania Trump and Barron Trump exit the funeral of Ivana Trump at St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church July 20, 2022 in New York City. Ivana Trump, the first wife of former president Donald Trump, died at the age of 73 after a fall down the stairs of her Manhattan home. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Donald J Trump, Melania Trump, and Barron Trump exit the funeral of Ivana Trump at St Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church on July 20, 2022, in New York City (Alexi J Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

"Adin Ross, you know, I mean, I do some people that I wasn't so familiar with, different generation. He knows every one of them. And we've had tremendous success," he added. Despite Trump trailing Democratic presidential frontrunner Kamala Harris among younger voters, Barron's efforts are seen as a strategic move to close this gap.

The twice impeached business mogul has even ventured into unconventional territory, appearing on Barron’s favorite podcast 'This Past Weekend with Theo Von' and discussing a range of topics, from pop culture to more controversial subjects like alcohol and illegal narcotics.

Barron Trump's unexpected withdrawal from RNC

Like his protective mother, Barron Trump has kept a low profile, appearing with his father only occasionally. While the Trump family made a strong showing at the Republican National Convention (RNC), the youngest Trump was notably absent from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 18: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and members of the Trump family celebrate after Trump officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and members of the Trump family celebrate after he officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Unlike in 2016 and 2020, when he was present at the RNC, Barron was included as an at-large delegate by the Florida Republican Party. However, he declined the position just two days later through his mother’s office, MSNBC reported.

Melania’s low profile fits with Trump’s efforts to shield the family from political attacks

Nevertheless, Melania Trump’s presence remains strategic as she made a significant impact at the party convention in Milwaukee and voiced support following an assassination attempt on her husband. Her careful approach to public appearances contrasts sharply with Trump’s more brash style, reflecting a deliberate strategy to protect her family from the harsher elements of political life.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 18: Former first lady Melania Trump joins Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump on stage after he officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Melania Trump joins her husband Donald Trump on stage after he officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

For Trump, enduring the harsh criticisms and attacks is one thing, but he is determined to shield his family from the line of fire. "My kids gave up so much, and all they did is get accused of Russia, Russia, Russia, and all these hoaxes, you know, misinformation, disinformation," he remarked. "I don't want them to be hurt by the horrible things that Democrats are willing to do."

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