WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball on January 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Trump will attend a series of balls to cap his Inauguration day. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch - Pool/Getty Images)
Former First Lady Melania Trump was noticeably absent from Thursday night’s debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
The Trump campaign did not provide any comment regarding the guest list for the debate, and Melania’s office also declined to respond to inquiries about her attendance. When asked if the former First Lady would be present, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt cryptically stated, “I have no specific names, but you will find out when he lands in Atlanta.”
Upon his arrival in Atlanta, the former president was accompanied by a host of aides and advisers, which included Susie Wiles, Chris LaCivita, Corey Lewandowski, Margo Martin and Walt Nauta. Melania was notably absent from the group.
This absence is consistent with the former First Lady’s limited involvement in her husband’s 2024 presidential campaign. While she appeared at the campaign launch in 2022, Melania has not joined Trump at any of his rallies, nor has she been present on stage after primary election victories.
Melania’s consistent absence was also evident at her husband’s recent trial in New York City, where he was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money scheme in the 2016 campaign.
In contrast, First Lady Jill Biden accompanied President Biden to the debate and maintained a visible presence in her husband’s campaign efforts.
Melania’s continued detachment from her husband’s political endeavors has raised questions and speculation among observers. Her rare public appearances, such as a fundraiser for the LGBTQ group Log Cabin Republicans at Mar-a-Lago and a joint appearance with Trump to cast their Florida primary ballots, have done little to satisfy the curiosity around her role and relationship with Trump’s campaign and the man himself.
When a CNN reporter noted in a post on social platform X that Melania was not present with Trump, the Trump campaign’s rapid response account shot back, “CNN reporter arrives in Atlanta for the debate and is not accompanied by a spouse or partner. SAD!”
Biden’s performance at the debate was widely panned by Republicans and Democrats alike.
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