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