Melania Trump has maintained a notably low profile since her husband, President Donald Trump, returned to the White House for his second term, making few public appearances and focusing instead on personal projects. Her recent attendance at the Governors Ball marked her first public outing in nearly a month, following a January 24 trip to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California alongside the president.
A political source familiar with the first lady's approach to the role told PEOPLE, "She will never be a traditional first lady. That isn't who she is." The source added that Melania has been actively engaged in her own initiatives and spends time at the White House primarily to advance those efforts.
One of her key projects is an upcoming documentary for Amazon Prime Video, which she is executive producing alongside Fernando Sulichin, with Brett Ratner directing. A Miami-based political source told PEOPLE, "Melania has been busy shooting her documentary and that has taken place in several locations, including the White House." While an official release date has not been announced, Variety has reported that it is slated for the second half of 2025.
The first lady's schedule has been split between the White House and Mar-a-Lago, where she and the president have primary residences. A social source told PEOPLE that while Melania has spent time in Washington, she does not maintain a significant presence in an official capacity. "[Donald and Melania] both live at Mar-a-Lago and have quarters in the White House," the source said. "But she leads her own life and joins him when appropriate in either place."
During her stays in Palm Beach, Melania largely keeps to herself but occasionally accompanies President Trump to dinners at Mar-a-Lago, according to the same source. This reflects the independent approach she has taken to the first lady's role, which contrasts with past occupants of the position.
In addition to her documentary, Melania has signaled plans to revive and expand her "Be Best" initiative, initially launched in 2018 to address cyberbullying and opioid abuse among children. In a January interview with Fox & Friends, she emphasized her commitment to growing the initiative, expressing frustration that streaming platforms had not supported it during her husband's first term.
"Imagine what we could do in those years if they will rally behind me and teach the children and protect them about social media and their mental health," she said. "It will be an exciting four years. We have a lot to do."
