The personal relationship between former President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, has come under scrutiny once again, following observations by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former senior adviser to Melania.
Wolkoff, the author of “Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady,” highlighted a notable change in Trump’s behavior toward his wife, suggesting a lack of “chivalry” that had been present in the earlier years of their marriage.
According to Wolkoff, Trump, who always made a point of waiting for Melania so they could walk side by side, has stopped doing it. She elaborated on her observations by sharing video clips on X (formerly Twitter), contrasting Trump’s past behavior — where he was seen guiding Melania with a hand on her back, allowing her to walk ahead — with more recent footage where he proceeds ahead of her, leaving her steps behind.
These observations have ignited a conversation among the public and media, with some speculating on the health of the Trumps’ marriage. Comments from various people have suggested a range of interpretations, from mutual disdain to challenges arising from the pressures of public life and recent personal losses.
Melania’s absence from key events, such as Donald Trump’s Super Tuesday victory speech in Palm Beach, Florida fueled further speculation. Despite Trump securing his third consecutive Republican presidential nomination, Melania was notably absent from the celebrations, raising questions about her current role and involvement in her husband’s political career.
Reports suggest that the Trumps’ marriage operates more as a business partnership, with renegotiations of their prenuptial agreement purportedly occurring to secure benefits for Melania and their son, Barron. Melania, who has been mourning the recent loss of her mother, Amalija Knavs, is said to be preparing for a more public role in the 2024 presidential campaign.
Despite these rumors, there is no verifiable evidence pointing towards a divorce between Donald and Melania Trump. The couple has not publicly addressed the speculation surrounding their relationship. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff’s past criticisms of the Trump family and her severed relationship with Melania add layers to the drama, highlighting the complexity of the personal and public lives intertwined in the story.
Melania Trump’s reduced visibility since the couple left the White House in January 2021 has been a topic of discussion among those following the former first family. While she has appeared at select events, such as the Trumpettes gala at Mar-a-Lago, her presence alongside Donald at political events has been less frequent.
As the 2024 presidential campaign continues, the role Melania will play remains a subject of interest and speculation.