Melania Trump has reportedly made the White House "afraid" as she continues to pursue ventures that put her in "direct conflict" with her husband, Donald. Author Michael Wolff and journalist Joanna Coles made the remarks while discussing what was described as Melania's "vanishing act" and the "mystery" surrounding her. Joanna claimed she has been seen in public just 14 to 16 times this year.
Joanna told The Daily Beast's Inside Trump's Head: "We really have seen almost nothing of the First Lady this year, which is why it was a surprise to see her. We've seen her, I think, three times this month at UFC at the fireworks. And she was there with Barron at the World Cup final on Sunday. And actually, I looked it up. She's done approximately 14 to 16 public appearances this year."
By comparison, she claims, Michelle Obama made between 100 to 150 public appearances a year, Laura Bush about 120, and Jill Biden more than 100 trips alongside her husband, Joe. It comes after Melania faced ridicule for her outfit at the 2026 World Cup final.
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Michael pointed to her relatively few appearances on the 2024 presidential campaign trail. He also cited her absence from Donald's "myriad" court dates around the time he was hit with four federal indictments.
Joanna went on to ask: "What is she doing the rest of the time? I do have questions about her because it's very odd that she's missing, and she is particularly elegant.
"So I always like to know what she's wearing when she shows up. What is she doing? What she do with all her time?"
In response, Michael dubbed the Trump union the "strangest marriage in the history of all presidential marriages". He added: "They don't know what she's going to do and they are afraid of it.
"Even more disturbing to the White House is that this business of hers seems to make her the center of attention, which puts her kind of in direct conflict with the President of the United States, who, as we know, can't stand anyone else being the center of attention. Doesn't mind you making money, but do not steal the limelight."
Earlier this month, reports emerged that the First Lady had amassed more than $17.2 million from her 2026 documentary film, "Melania", as well as book sales and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Her other ventures include forays into jewellery and skincare. And last year, she also launched Muse Films — the production company behind her film, which was distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Yet in the White House, she's reportedly involved in state dinner planning, arranging turkey trots and Easter egg rolls, and receiving foreign leaders.
Marc Beckman, exclusive senior adviser to Melania Trump and her film's co-producer, told Israel’s Channel 14: "She came to me in Manhattan with an idea to work together strategically to build up her commercial lifestyle vertical."
Melania is "one of the most compelling, hard-working individuals in my life", he further stated. He also shed light on his role with the former model, saying he works with her on her "branding platform and her commercial endeavors".