Former First Lady Melania Trump sparked confusion on Wednesday after expressing her frustration over the continued media focus on her past nude modeling photos. In a promotional video for her upcoming memoir, Trump compared her modeling work to the celebrated works of artists like Paul Cézanne and Michelangelo.
In the video, Melania defended her decision to pose nude during her modeling career, questioning the media’s ongoing interest. “Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modeling work?” Trump asked in the voiceover. “The more pressing question is why has the media chosen to scrutinize my celebration of the human form in a fashion photo shoot?”
Her remarks and the video, which featured a montage of famous nude portraits, quickly garnered reactions across the political spectrum. Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko responded sarcastically, suggesting that Melania’s focus on her modeling work was indicative of her and her husband’s priorities during the presidential campaign.
“Between Trump’s silly crypto scam and Melania talking about her nude modeling, you really have to appreciate how laser-focused they are on the campaign 48 days out,” he wrote. Republicans Against Trump, a political group opposing Donald Trump, admitted they were initially skeptical of the video’s authenticity. “I thought this new video from Melania Trump was fake, but no,” they posted on Twitter.
“She actually posted it. I guess she’s desperate to sell as many copies of her new ‘book’ before Donald loses in November.” Former White House aide to President Bill Clinton, Keith Boykin, took a more serious tone, pointing out the double standards in how Melania Trump is treated compared to former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Nobody on the left cares that Melania Trump did nude modeling,” Boykin wrote. “We do care that Republicans want to police our bedrooms, our doctors, and our books, and ban pornography. We know that if a Black First Lady posed nude, Republicans would lose it. It’s the hypocrisy, not the nudity.”
While Melania Trump has long defended her modeling career, her latest video has reignited conversations about the media’s treatment of her and the broader political implications surrounding her actions as a former First Lady.