10 years ago, Donald Trump walked down the escalator at "Trump Tower" in New York to announce that he would run for president - a moment that will forever remain in history. In front of him stood his wife Melania, a former model, whom they have been married to since 2005.
Today, Trump is president again, and Melania is first lady. Today, however, she seems to be gone. Sources for "The New York Times" reveal that Mrs. Trump has spent only 14 days in the White House since the inauguration. Her husband was sworn in as the 47th president 110 days ago.
Books, movies, cryptocurrencies
The Slovenian-born first lady is no stranger to fame. Late last year, she released her memoirs, which became a bestseller. In them, Melania defended the right to abortion - a thesis that conflicts with her husband's policies. In early 2025, it became clear that she had signed a deal with "Amazon" to film a documentary about her. According to media reports, she will receive $28 million from the deal, which is worth a total of $40 million.
Shortly after that, Melania launched her own cryptocurrency, and the "Financial Times" revealed that a group of investors made millions by buying the currency before it was officially launched, then quickly selling it.
"Every marriage has its ups and downs"
The marriage of Donald and Melania Trump has been the subject of great public interest. Videos on social networks showing her cold attitude towards him have garnered millions of views. At the same time, administration insiders say they rarely see her - both at the White House and at the president's estate in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
"The New York Times" sent an official request to the White House to find out how much time she spends in Washington, but they refused to comment. Every marriage has its ups and downs, the publication commented, but the situation with the Trump family is special. Within a few months, the current president was found guilty of paying a bribe to cover up an affair with a pornographic actress and survived two assassination attempts. Melania Trump avoided most public appearances during the trial, observers note.
"Everyone went their own way"
According to sources in the "New York Times", she worries about the safety of her family and their son Barron, and the shooting of Trump in Pennsylvania last July and the subsequent prevented attack on him at Mar-a-Lago have further frightened her.
The first lady rarely gives interviews, but in January she spoke to "Fox News". At the time, she said: "I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I'll be in Palm Beach. But my main priority is, you know, being a mother, a first lady, a wife."
Although rare, she does appear at public events. This week she was scheduled to unveil a new postage stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush. Last month, Melania joined the White House Easter egg roll. She also attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome - the day she turned 55. At Newark Airport, the president kissed her on the cheek. Then she got into the car, he got into the helicopter and they went their separate ways, summarizes Sean MacRish of the "New York Times".
Authors: Alexander Detev