Melania Trump to Return to Campaigning ‘Pretty Soon’

Former President Donald Trump, joined by former First Lady Melania Trump, arrives to speak at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 15, 2022. Alon Skuy/AFP via Getty Images

Former First Lady Melania Trump had been famously private during her time in the White House, and notably low-key as former President Donald Trump returned to campaigning to run for office in 2024.

In an interview with host Kristen Welker of “Meet the Press,” President Trump said the former first lady would be campaigning by his side again “pretty soon.”

“She’s right now with Barron in school. She loves that boy. ... She'll be with us. She’s very, very supportive,” he said.

“Pretty soon, when it’s appropriate, but pretty soon,” he said, when Ms. Welker pressed him on when the first appearance might be.

He added that he wasn’t pushing to involve her in campaigning.

“Honestly, I like to keep her away from it. It’s so nasty and so mean,” he said.

“She’s a private person, a great person, very confident person, and she loves our country very much. She‘ll be—at the appropriate time—she’ll be out there,” he said.

Campaign

President Trump campaigned publicly with his family the first time he sought election, but his current run is besieged with legal battles and four criminal indictments, even as his lead amongst the GOP field widens.

In August, he was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia and the first-ever mugshot of a U.S. president was taken.

On the campaign trails, President Trump has not been afraid to mention the four indictments, which have only bolstered support among voters. Many see the embattled candidate fighting not just his own cases, but taking a stand for justice and integrity. It’s a message he had campaigned on in previous elections as well.

In November 2022, the former first lady stood by President Trump when he officially launched his campaign at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

She’s rarely appeared at events or media appearances since.

In May, she gave an interview to Fox News after hosting a private luncheon at Mar-a-Lago.

“He has my support, and we look forward to restoring hope for the future and leading America with love and strength,” she said. “My husband achieved tremendous success in his first administration, and he can lead us toward greatness and prosperity once again.”

She shared that since leaving Washington, she has also focused her efforts on helping children aging out of the foster system, and would continue to do so should she reprise her role as first lady.

“My focus would continue to be creating a safe and nurturing space for children to learn, grow, and thrive,” she said. “My goal would be to ensure that every child has the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.”

Ivanka Trump

During the last administration, Ivanka Trump held an adviser role, but she has since said she will not be returning to politics.

“While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena,” she told Fox News last November after the campaign launch.

Since leaving Washington, she said her family has found a good rhythm she wants to continue.

“My kids are thriving, and I want to maintain this cadence—this rhythm—at this point in our family’s life,” she said. “Time is fleeting, and every parent will tell you it really does go by so quickly.”

“I love my father very much. This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family,” Ms. Trump said. “I do not plan to be involved in politics.

“I’ve had many roles over the years but that of daughter is one of the most elemental and consequential. I am loving this time with my kids, loving life in Miami and the freedom and privacy with having returned to the private sector. This has been one of the greatest times of my life.”

President Trump’s children have been named in his legal battles as well: New York Attorney General Letitia James is pursuing a case against the former president’s Trump Organization, an umbrella company for his real estate business.

The lawsuit names President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump. It previously named Ms. Trump as well, but she was dismissed from the suit in June.

Ms. James is alleging President Trump inflated his net worth and defrauded banks and insurers, and is seeking multi-millions in fines and to bar him and his children from doing business in the state.

A federal judge has halted the case as an appeals court hears arguments in a case President Trump brought against the presiding judge, Arthur Engoron.