Can you spot the former First Lady in this crowded convention hall? Probably not!
Photo: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
Republicans claimed that after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump, this week’s convention would be all about “unity.” But only one person is making good on that promise: Melania Trump. While many Americans have zero interest in watching the presidential nominee receive extended standing ovations, learning why J.D. Vance no longer thinks his running mate is “America’s Hitler,” or finding out what happened to Amber Rose, the former First Lady’s real-life game of “Where’s Waldo?” is something we can all enjoy playing together.
The former First Lady’s actual whereabouts have always been the least interesting part of the “Where’s Melania?” conversation. It’s pretty clear that she’s usually holed up at one of several Trump estates. The more accurate and entertaining (but far less punchy) question is, “What event will Melania dare to skip next?” She bailed on her husband’s 2024 campaign launch, almost all of his campaign events and court appearances, and the first presidential debate.
Now she’s skipped an even bigger moment: Trump’s triumphant entrance to the Republican National Convention on Monday night. It was his first pubic appearance since being grazed by a would-be assassin’s bullet. Trump looked unusually emotional as he entered the convention floor with Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA.”
The opening lines, which muse about starting over again “with just my children and my wife,” were a tad awkward, as Melania was not by Trump’s side or even in the arena. Trump eventually took his seat with three of his children and their partners: Don Jr., Eric, and the rarely seen Tiffany. Ivanka and Barron’s absence from night one was understandable. Trump’s eldest daughter has been making herself scarce since she swore off politics at the beginning of this election cycle — though she’s expected to appear at the RNC sometime this week. Barron, who just turned 18, often skipped his father’s campaign events because he was a minor.
Melania’s reasons for skipping night one of the convention are unknown. The most obvious explanation is that she does not care for politics, her husband, or maybe both, and does not care who knows it. Perhaps, as a Doug Burgum stan, she was protesting the Vance VP pick. But at this point, it feels like Melania may just want to see what a political spouse can get away with.
The Washington Postreported that Melania will probably appear at the RNC later this week in some capacity.
But will she actually show up? Could she skip Trump’s Election Night rally? Is there any truth to the rumors that she won’t even return to the White House for a second term? All we do know is that Donald isn’t the only Trump who knows how to build suspense for the folks watching from home.
