Where was former first lady Melania Trump at the time of former President Donald Trump's latest indictment? Probably doing her own thing. A source told People that Melania has spent much of her summer away from her husband, living her own life, and also not wanting to get too involved in all the drama. "This fourth indictment is another problem for her husband. Not for her," the source said. While Donald has spent a lot of time golfing in New Jersey, Melania allegedly prefers to spend her time in Manhattan.
It's not that Melania doesn't support her husband. She just would rather not be involved. She has been staying out of the spotlight and doing her own thing. She has been pretty quiet on social media, not posting anything about the election. She also hasn't been present on the campaign trail. She has only made one statement about her husband's campaign publicly, to Fox News Digital: “He has my support, and we look forward to restoring hope for the future and leading America with love and strength."
Since she says she supports and endorses her husband, many have been wondering where she is, assuming that she would speak publicly about it or show up for events. Instead, Melania prefers a quiet, private life. "Melania publicly supports her husband but privately prefers a life with 100% privacy and no press scrutiny," the source told People. The source also said that Melania relies on a close circle of people to keep her company. She feels fine without the kind of public attention that her husband seems to love.
Still, Melania's lack of appearances haven't exactly kept her out of the spotlight. On Saturday, September 9, Melania was notably absent again when Donald attended an Iowa football game. A banner flew over the stadium, asking the same question that many have been wanting to ask: "Where's Melania?"
On social media, many have made jokes about her whereabouts. Supporters have blamed political opponents for drawing attention to the issue, and some Trump supporters have posted about how they want Melania back in the White House. But Melania seems to be enjoying her time away from the White House because it's easier for her to do her own thing.
"She knows how her husband is but still believes there has been too much dumping on him and wants nothing to do with any of it," the source told People, explaining why Melania has been lying low and not getting involved. The New York Times reported that Melania mostly spends time with her family and a few friends, gets her hair done, enjoys dinner with her husband, and helps her son search for colleges.
In April, people began speaking of Melania's absence again following Donald's March indictment. It was around that time that Melania's office released a statement about news outlets jumping to conclusions when it comes to her opinions. "News organizations have made assumptions about the former First Lady's stance on subjects that are personal, professional, and political over the past few weeks. In these articles, unnamed sources are cited to bolster the author's claims," Melania's office tweeted on April 11. It's unclear exactly what the statement was referring to.
Over the past few years, Melania hasn't made many public statements or appearances, but she continues to post about her "Fostering the Future" initiative on social media. She says the initiative exists to support foster children.
It's possible that the answer to "Where's Melania?" isn't all that shocking. The former first lady might seem mysterious, but sources say she just prefers a private life. The source that spoke to People said Melania isn't that interested in Trump's legal issues and doesn't want to be involved. "She hates all of the legal problems and says very little about them anytime anywhere. She leads her own life," the source said.
Based on the way that R. Couri Hay, Melania's former acquaintance, described it to The New York Times, it might just come down to Melania's life experiences and preferences.
"From her point of view and her friends’ point of view, she’s been through a lot and she’s come out a strong independent woman. She’s learned how to close the door and close the shutters and remain private. We don’t see a lot, we don’t hear a lot," Couri said.