Melania Trump has been notably absent from her husband’s presidential campaign events this year, starting from the campaign kickoff in Iowa to his Super Tuesday victory celebration. When asked about her plans to join the campaign trail, she responded with a vague “Stay tuned” in March after voting with Donald Trump in Florida’s primary.
Since then, Melania Trump has largely stayed out of the public eye, except for a few fundraisers in April and attending their son’s high school graduation. Notably, she did not accompany Donald Trump during his lengthy hush money trial in New York, missing key moments like the guilty verdict and his subsequent remarks at Trump Tower.
She also skipped his birthday party organized by his fan club on June 14 and other recent campaign rallies.
Melania Trump gestures to the media (Trent Warner/ Getty Images)
Katherine Jellison, a history professor at Ohio University specializing in first ladies, remarked on Melania Trump’s unusual absence during critical events, suggesting it reflects her reluctance to adhere to the traditional public role expected of a politician’s spouse. Even during her tenure as first lady, she maintained a low profile and was not actively involved in Donald Trump’s unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign.
Jellison noted that the Trumps often diverge from conventional expectations for candidates and their spouses. While other politicians frequently involve their partners to connect with voters, Melania Trump’s approach has been markedly different, highlighting a departure from the norm in how political spouses typically engage in campaigns.
