Following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump has been conspicuously missing from the White House. Reports suggest that she has only spent less than 14 days at the presidential residence during the initial 108 days of her husband’s administration. This minimal presence has generated public interest and media attention.
Melania has kept a discreet presence, making only a few public appearances. She attended the funeral of Pope Francis, participated in the White House Easter Egg Roll, and took part in events recognizing military mothers and former First Lady Barbara Bush. In March, she gave a speech promoting legislation to combat ‘revenge porn’ and AI-generated explicit images, underscoring her ongoing commitment to certain social issues.
Although the White House serves as the official residence for the First Family, Melania has opted to primarily live at Trump Tower in New York. In an interview with Fox & Friends, she discussed the difficulties of residing in the White House and indicated a preference for her home in New York. Her son, Barron Trump, also lives in New York while pursuing his college education, and Melania noted that he would ‘come and visit’ the White House.
During the initial 100 days of his presidency, President Trump dedicated considerable time away from the White House, frequently residing at his properties such as Mar-a-Lago in Florida. As reported by NBC News, he was away from the White House for portions of 40 days, which included spending 12 out of 14 weekends at his own establishments.
Melania’s infrequent public appearances have sparked considerable speculation regarding her influence and responsibilities within the administration. While some interpret her absence as a deliberate decision to preserve her privacy, others raise concerns about its impact on her obligations as First Lady. This scenario highlights the changing dynamics of the First Lady’s position and the personal decisions that accompany it.
