Melania Trump’s Limited Role Sparks Criticism Amid Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign

Melania Trump’s sporadic appearances throughout her husband Donald Trump’s presidential campaign have sparked much criticism. A recent report suggests that if the former president wins, the American people should not expect to see much of her in the nation’s capital. An insider told Page Six, last month, “Melania has made a deal with her husband that if he wins the presidency she will not have to be on first lady duty 24/7.”

According to the source, Melania is prioritizing her 18-year-old son Barron and is “already planning to spend part of every month — and potentially every week — in NYC.” This information suggests that Barron Trump is enrolled at New York University rather than Penn, his father’s alma mater. Despite Barron now being an adult, Melania wants to stay close to him as he transitions into college life.

The source added, “Barron has never been completely on his own before — and with the added stress of him being both a freshman in college and potentially the son of a president in a predominantly Democratic city, [Melania] wants to be close… The added attention he’ll get if his father is president worries Melania, who is also concerned about the reaction at his school over Barron’s ever-present Secret Service [detail].”

Melania believes she can balance being a hands-on mother and fulfilling some first lady duties. The source continued, “She does not want a non-stop schedule of events in the White House and makes the point she can be both a hands-on mother and First Lady at the same time.” An insider close to the former president noted that Melania’s dedication to her son will resonate with parents across the country.

The insider elaborated, “Donald is close to Barron, but isn’t going to be tossing footballs with him when he’s the president and the head of the free world. Donald has already agreed to this and feels that mothers and parents across the country will understand Melania’s devotion to their son. Donald trusts Melania to bring up their son the same way he trusted Ivana to bring up their children… Donald feels it worked for Ivanka, Eric, and Don Jr.”

Additionally, a similar article that week indicated that Melania would maintain a part-time position if her husband is re-elected. Author Kate Andersen Brower told Axios, “She’s distancing herself even more from her husband and from the Washington social-political scene. I mean, she clearly hated being in Washington.”

Despite this, Mary Jordan, an assistant editor at The Washington Post, is skeptical that Melania will take on a more active role if Donald is re-elected. Jordan stated, “Melania does what Melania wants. Her view is unelected, not paid.” She added that the former first lady would likely lead her staff with a “better” and “more qualified” team this time around.