Stephanie Grisham, the former chief of staff to Melania Trump, has shared insights suggesting that the former first lady possesses a markedly different stance on her role in her husband's political life than other first ladies.
Unlike Dr. Jill Biden, who has actively supported President Joe Biden amid discussions about his health and age, Melania Trump reportedly believes she does not need to adopt a similar supportive role for Donald Trump in his reelection campaign.
Stephanie conveyed to CNN that Melania Trump has explicitly stated her independence, contrasting herself with Dr. Biden's active role alongside the President. "Melania has said, 'I don't need to stand by Donald like Jill Biden; it is like she's holding Joe Biden up,'" Melania’s ex-chief of staff recounted, indicating the former FLOTUS’ intention to distance herself from the traditional 'stand by your man' approach famously associated with Hillary Clinton.
Despite her apparent reluctance to be a constant presence in the campaign, Melania Trump hinted at a possible engagement in future activities. When questioned about her participation in upcoming campaign events during the Florida presidential primary in March, she intriguingly replied to a reporter, "Stay tuned."
Sources close to the Trump campaign have indicated Melania Trump's ongoing deliberation about her involvement in the reelection efforts, with one source stating, "She'll definitely have a role, but in terms of what that is, I don't know." Another source emphasized her cautious approach to public appearances, describing her as "very selective and methodical" in her decisions.
While Melania Trump's exact role in the campaign remains uncertain, she has been seen with Donald Trump at various high-profile events at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Most recently, the couple attended the 40th birthday party of Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, an event covered by Page Six.
Photographs from the celebration, shared on social media by Siggy Flicker, a former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star, captured the Trumps alongside the birthday celebrant and her husband, Gregg Reuben. Melania Trump chose a sleeveless black gown for the occasion, while the former president was in a blue suit and striped tie.
As reported by unnamed sources to Page Six, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, along with their partners Kimberly Guilfoyle and Lara Trump, attended Habba's birthday party, further highlighting the family's presence in social and political spheres.
Meanwhile, in the 2024 presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump is navigating the political landscape with less visible support from his family than his previous White House bid. Sources close to the campaign have indicated that while Melania and Ivanka Trump are less present on the campaign trail, the former president is reportedly at peace with their decision to focus on their personal lives, emphasizing their attendance at key events.
A political insider told PEOPLE that Donald thrives on the energy of the campaign trail despite facing various legal and financial challenges. "Donald loves to be out with the people, and going out on the campaign trail makes him happy," the source stated. He is a loner horse and can function fine without his family, although he is happy when they can accompany him.
Melania has been selective about her appearances, avoiding campaign rallies and gatherings, especially those at the couple's Mar-a-Lago estate. "Melania dislikes a petting zoo," a source explained. "She goes when she has to but if it’s not essential she prefers to stay out of the public eye."
The former first lady was present at a recent dinner at the Palm Beach resort, where the couple hosted far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. "She is more comfortable at this type of engagement than a hard-core rally or campaign evening," the source noted, adding that Donald Trump respects her choice to attend select events.
2023 has been a year of personal focus for Melania, marked by the loss of her mother, Amalija Knavs, in January at age 78 and her involvement in exploring college options for her son, Barron. A social source mentioned, "Melania’s main job is taking care of Barron, and I think it’s possible that she will follow him wherever he goes to school."
Despite the private nature of their relationship and the challenges posed by Donald’s recent legal issues, the public façade between the couple remains united. "Most of the time they put up a united front," the source conveyed to PEOPLE. "In the end, Melania loves her lifestyle and is well taken care of now and later."
