In a striking appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Melania Trump emerged in public for the first time since the former president, Donald Trump, narrowly survived an assassination attempt. Clad in Republican red, she walked alone into the convention hall to the accompaniment of classical music, a stark departure from the country music and rock anthems that had filled the venue throughout the week. Her glossy, glamorous appearance resembled a runway entrance more than a political event, maintaining her inscrutable and distant demeanor.
Since Donald Trump’s first election victory in 2016, Melania has defied the conventions of American presidential politics. During her tenure as First Lady, she was a reclusive figure, concentrating on a select few interests. The US National Archives describe her as an “ambassador for kindness” and an advocate for children’s issues. Post-presidency, she has often been absent from key moments in her husband’s public life.
Notably, Melania was not present when Donald Trump had his mugshot taken in Atlanta, nor was she there in New York when he became the first former president convicted of a crime. Her absence was also noted when Trump officially secured his party’s presidential nomination for the third time on Monday.
“Melania does what Melania wants,” says Mary Jordan, author of “The Art of Her Deal,” a biography of the former First Lady. “She is fiercely independent and won’t do something just because others do it. She doesn’t feel any obligation to conform.”
While the public has grown accustomed to her frequent absences, her non-appearance on Monday, when Trump entered the Milwaukee arena to a roaring welcome following the assassination attempt, was particularly conspicuous. However, the anticipation for her eventual appearance was palpable among the Republicans gathered.
Melania remains the most enigmatic First Lady in modern history, rarely voicing her thoughts publicly. An exception was the heartfelt statement she released following the assassination attempt on her husband, which seemed to be dictated personally. “A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” she stated. “The core facets of my husband’s life – his human side – were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times.”
At political conventions, it is customary for the candidate’s spouse to deliver a speech, sharing scripted anecdotes about family life. On Wednesday evening, Usha Vance, the wife of Trump’s new running mate JD Vance, adhered to this tradition. She affectionately described her husband as a “meat and potatoes” man who now cooks her Indian vegetarian food.
Despite speeches from Donald Trump’s oldest son Don Jr, middle son Eric, daughter-in-law Lara, and granddaughter Kai, Melania declined to speak at the convention. Her reluctance to speak publicly is well-known, underscored by the fallout from her speech at the 2016 convention, where she was criticized for plagiarizing Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech. Melania’s speechwriter later took the blame.
First Ladies are always scrutinized for their public image, causes, and fashion choices. As a former professional model, Melania is acutely aware of the power of her image. By limiting her public appearances, she makes each one more impactful.
“She is very savvy and has cultivated the mystery woman mystique by going underground and then emerging to significant effect,” says Ms. Jordan. “She doesn’t appear very often, but she does show up when Donald Trump really needs her.”
Following Saturday’s assassination attempt, Melania’s absence was keenly felt. Yet, on Thursday night, as she ascended the stairs to the VIP section, paused at the top, and waved to all corners of the arena, she demonstrated her mastery of the power of an image. Her absence, at times, may indeed be her strength.
