First Lady Melania Trump should consider renaming herself Waldo, given her conspicuous absence during former President Donald Trump’s ongoing legal battles. On Tuesday morning in Manhattan, as closing arguments commenced in the historic criminal trial against her husband, Trump was his usual vociferous self when a reporter shouted, “Where’s Melania?” The silence that followed wasn’t surprising, but it certainly highlighted her absence.
Throughout the trial, lawyers have sparred over evidence and witnesses, with the jury soon to decide whether Trump will become the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime. As Trump rants about the proceedings, Melania is nowhere to be seen. Understandably, she likely prefers any other scenario over sitting in a courtroom listening to allegations of her husband’s infidelities with a Playboy model and a porn star while she was pregnant.
Melania is well aware of her husband’s indiscretions and poor behavior, which is perhaps why she avoids the trial. Her absence, however, has puzzled many cable news pundits who expected her to support Trump by attending court sessions. The importance of courtroom appearances is not lost on juries, and her MIA status stands out, especially given how even notorious criminals like Jeffrey Dahmer had family in the courtroom.
Since Trump’s 2016 election victory, Melania has been trapped in a soul-crushing situation. She never aspired to be First Lady; she married Trump for his wealth, not his politics. The move to Washington was a nightmare for her, turning her from a lady of leisure into a reluctant political figure.
Melania’s current absence is a continuation of her long-standing detachment from Trump’s political career. She has no desire to defend him publicly or to support his claims of being a victim of political persecution. Instead, she remains distant, focusing on personal endeavors like selling overpriced jewelry. Her indifference is evident; if there were any personal benefit to her defending Trump, she would be more visibly active. But she knows the reality of Trump’s character—a pathological liar and narcissist.
