Share on FacebookSpeculation over the state of Donald and Melania Trump’s marriage has been reignited following new claims by author and Trump biographer Michael Wolff. During an appearance on The Daily Beast podcast, Wolff said the former president and first lady are “separated” and “do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage.”
“They live separate lives,” Wolff stated. “The President of the United States and the First Lady are separated.”
Melania’s Low Public Profile
The remarks come amid growing attention to Melania Trump’s rare public appearances since her husband returned to the White House in January. According to The New York Times, the former first lady has spent fewer than 14 days at the White House—a number some insiders believe may even be generous.
Though she has joined Trump for a few high-profile events, including the funeral of the late Pope Francis and the White House Easter Egg Roll, Melania has otherwise remained largely out of view. Notably, the couple went separate ways upon returning to the U.S. from the pope’s funeral—on her birthday.
White House Responds with Harsh Words
The White House didn’t hold back in dismissing Wolff’s comments. Communications director Steven Cheung issued a fiery rebuttal to The Independent, calling the author “a blithering idiot” and accusing him of fabricating lies for attention.
“He is an imbecile of the highest order,” Cheung said. “His Trump Derangement Syndrome-addled brain has caused him to lead a miserable existence devoid of reality.”
Melania’s Own Words and Concerns
In an earlier interview with Fox & Friends, Melania gave little indication of marital strain, simply stating that she would split her time between Washington, New York, and Palm Beach as needed. She emphasized that her top priority remains “to be a mom” to 19-year-old Barron, as well as “to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
However, two sources close to the first lady told The Times that Melania has grown increasingly uneasy following two assassination attempts on Trump’s life in the past year. The threats have reportedly left her “deeply spooked” and more protective of her family than ever before.
Conflicting Narratives
Meanwhile, Paolo Zampolli—the former modeling agent who introduced Melania to Trump—dismissed the separation rumors, insisting she’s fully committed to her role.
“She loves the White House,” Zampolli said. “And she loves the role of serving as our first lady.”
Still, the disconnect between the official statements, Melania’s public absences, and Wolff’s claims leave the public with more questions than answers. As long as the first lady remains largely behind the scenes, the speculation is unlikely to fade.
