While speculation about Donald and Melania Trump’s relationship is nothing new, recent events and continued public absence by the First Lady have reignited debate over the true state of their marriage.
Melania Trump made a rare appearance beside her husband during Saturday’s military parade—one of only a handful of joint outings the couple has made during President Trump’s second term, which began earlier this year. The limited sightings of the 54-year-old First Lady have raised questions, particularly among observers and experts familiar with the First Family’s dynamics.
Journalist and presidential biographer Michael Wolff, who has written several books about Donald Trump, added fuel to the rumors during a recent appearance on 60 Minutes Australia. According to Wolff, there may be more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye.
“At one point I asked someone who’s very close to them, and I said, ‘so what’s going on?’” Wolff shared. “And this person looked at me like I was a real dunce and then said, ‘she hates his f—ing guts’.”
Melania has reportedly spent fewer than four weeks in Washington since Trump returned to the White House. Her appearances have been few and far between—speaking out against cyberbullying in March, attending the White House Easter Egg Roll, and appearing at Pope Francis’ funeral in April.
Wolff didn’t mince words when asked why she’s been largely absent. “Well, other than the fact he has a long history of relationships with other women, porn stars and the like, and that he’s not a very nice guy and he doesn’t listen to anyone ever, so I doubt if he would listen to his wife…should I go on?” he said.
Radar Online reported that Melania often “vanishes from view for weeks at a time, holing up in Trump Tower in Manhattan or in Florida.” Her low profile has drawn comparisons to Bess Truman, wife of President Harry Truman, who also kept a famously quiet public presence.
Still, not everyone agrees with the growing speculation. Anita McBride, a respected expert on first ladies, dismissed suggestions of a marital rift. “I think it’s a marriage that works for them,” she said. “Maybe it’s not your definition of a happy marriage, maybe it might not be mine, but it’s certainly theirs.”
However, Wolff remains unconvinced. “These are two people who live separate lives. Everything is separate. They are not together,” he concluded.
Melania, who became Donald Trump’s third wife in 2005 and a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, continues to maintain her silence—leaving the public to speculate about what goes on behind closed doors.