CNN commentator and former White House adviser Van Jones expressed confusion over former First Lady Melania Trump’s recent defense of abortion rights, which she discusses both in her upcoming memoir and a newly released video. The unexpected stance comes despite her husband, former President Donald Trump, having appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned federal protections for abortion rights.
As Trump and his running mate continue to dodge specifics on their plans for restricting abortion nationwide, Melania’s position stands in stark contrast. CNN anchor John Berman introduced the topic, noting how the video has raised significant questions. “It really does beg a lot of questions. And yes, number one, is this to sell books? Is it some grand break from her husband on a key campaign issue? Is it nine-dimensional chess where she’s trying to present this case to voters that, hey, there can be disagreement on this issue?” Berman asked.
Jones was equally perplexed. “I have no idea,” he admitted. “Maybe she’s trying to come out of the shadows. I mean, just—you have this music in the background, and her face is half-shaded.” He acknowledged that, at the very least, the video is garnering attention. “It’s getting us talking about the book. It’s definitely good for book sales.”
Jones speculated that Melania’s move could be interpreted in one of two ways. “It’s either a big break with her husband, where she’s saying, ‘I don’t agree, I have my own book, my own standard, I don’t care,’ or it’s some sort of 27-dimensional chess, where people might think she’ll soften Trump’s stance on abortion and sway suburban women voters.”
However, Jones remained puzzled by the situation, calling it unprecedented. “This is bizarre,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen, in the history of American politics, a former First Lady or the spouse of a candidate come out with a book and a video saying, ‘I don’t agree with my husband’s party on a key issue.’ It’s never happened before, ever.”
As Melania’s pro-abortion stance continues to stir conversation, it’s unclear whether her position will have a lasting political impact or simply fuel speculation about the motivations behind her sudden public advocacy.