Speculation about the state of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s marriage is once again making headlines, fueled by the president’s public closeness to his ex-wife, Marla Maples, and Melania’s continued absence from key events. Observers noted a distinct lack of chemistry between the president and the first lady, with some suggesting their relationship appears more distant than ever.
Public displays of affection have long been absent between the two, and Melania’s noticeable low profile throughout Trump’s presidency and campaign has only intensified questions about the true nature of their marriage. On election night 2024, President Trump gathered with close allies and supporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate as election results began to roll in.
Among the group was his second ex-wife, Marla Maples, who was photographed beside him in a cozy setting. The moment was captured in a now widely circulated Instagram post dated November 6, 2024. In the photo, Trump is seen leaning in close to Maples, prompting social media chatter. While it may have been a gesture to better hear her in the noise-filled room, the body language raised eyebrows.
“She looks to be getting cozy!” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, sparking online speculation about their relationship. Though Trump and Maples divorced in 1999, the former couple has reportedly remained on good terms for the sake of their daughter, Tiffany Trump. Still, their closeness on such a pivotal night has many questioning whether Maples’ presence was purely personal or politically motivated.
Adding to the intrigue, Maples made headlines earlier this year when she publicly expressed her willingness to support her ex-husband’s campaign. “I’m open to whatever way that I can serve,” she told The Evening Standard, even entertaining the idea of taking on a role as Vice President. “Right now, everyone [in the Trump family] is just seeing how we can help,” she said.
Social media users were quick to read between the lines, with one commenter suggesting, “She’s trying to secure the First Lady role because Melania Trump checked out a long time ago.” Melania’s absence from the election night celebration was just as telling.
While some might expect the first lady to be at her husband’s side during such a key political moment, her nonappearance, combined with Maples’ prominent presence, suggested a widening rift. Whether these developments signal deeper cracks in the Trump marriage remains unclear. But one thing is certain: public interest in the dynamics between Trump, Melania, and Maples is far from fading.