Melania Trump returns as first lady: 4 things to know about her life, marriage and more

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, November 09, 2024

2024 presidential election

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures at supporters after speaking as he holds hands with former U.S. first lady Melania Trump during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, early on Nov. 6, 2024. Republican former president Donald Trump closed in on a new term in the White House early Nov. 6, 2024, just needing a handful of electoral votes to defeat Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

During her husband’s 2024 campaign, Melania made few public appearances, which included attending the Al Smith dinner and the Republican National Convention.

Following her husband’s recent presidential win, Melania vowed in a statement that the incoming administration “will safeguard the heart of our republic — freedom.”

“I anticipate the citizens of our nation rejoining in commitment to each other and rising above ideology for the sake of individual liberty, economic prosperity, and security,” she wrote. “American energy, skill, and initiative will bring together our best minds to propel our nation forward forevermore.”

In the days before the election, sources close to the president-elect and his wife told People that the first lady might not spend much time at the White House during her husband’s second term. The outlet reported that Melania could likely spend most of her time in New York, where Barron is attending college.

“Barron’s safety and well-being will always remain at the top of her priority list, but that doesn’t mean she would shirk her duties as first lady should that opportunity come again,” one source said, claiming that Trump’s wife dislikes politics and would prefer to stay away from it.

Another source speculated that the first lady “will do everything expected” now that her husband is returning to the White House, saying, “Melania does what she has to do. She will always have a life of her own away from politics.”

“She grits her teeth, turns her head and does what she needs to do,” the source stated.

One week before the election, Melania appeared on "Fox & Friends" saying, “I’m not anxious because this time is different. I have much more experience, much more knowledge.”

“I was in the White House before, so when you go in, you know exactly what to expect,” she added.

Samantha Kamman is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: samantha.kamman@christianpost.com. Follow her on Twitter: @Samantha_Kamman