25 August 2023 , 14:38
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Amid the drama of the tumultuous legal proceedings surrounding Donald Trump's fourth arrest, his wife remains nowhere to be seen.
The former First Lady's conspicuous absence during this critical juncture has sparked a wave of speculation about the state of their 18-year marriage.
She has not been seen in public by his side for months. As the legal storm clouds gather around the former president, he increasingly spends more time on the campaign trail as he fights for re-election.
In next year's election, a win against his likely opponent, Joe Biden, will see him order the charges against him dropped.
But the absence of Melania, a woman who was once a prominent figure in his political life, is raising eyebrows and prompting a flurry of inquiries.
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Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump (Getty Images)A Mar-A-Lago source told the Mirror: "Despite Donald and his campaign team's pleas, she has rejected multiple requests to appear alongside him. Melania is well-liked by his base, but so far, she refuses to attend his appearances.
"Since leaving the White House, she has kept her social circle small by choosing to spend time with her parents, her son, and a handful of old friends. When not with them, she enjoys visits to hairdressers and consultations with her longtime stylist, Herve Pierre.
"She's leading her own life. Living for herself and her son." Melania's retreat from public life began well before Trump's latest arrest on Thursday.
It can be traced to the day Trump lost the 2020 election, which he maintains was "stolen" from him. Insiders say the 53-year-old has instead dedicated her time to raising their only child, Barron, who has now turned 17, helping him enter university.
However, many commentators have highlighted how, despite her commitment to their son, it would not always fulfil the time she has, leaving many wondering about her motivations and intentions. Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Melania often walked a fine line between her personal preferences and the expectations of her role.
From the 'Be Best' campaign aimed at promoting children's well-being to her advocacy for anti-bullying efforts, she offered a softer counterpoint to her husband's often bombastic demeanour. Her approach, though at times enigmatic, allowed her to maintain an independent identity in a high-stakes political arena.
However, her prolonged absence now prompts questions about her state of mind, her current stance on her husband's legal woes and whether their marriage will survive. Speculation ranges from wanting nothing to do with politics as she hated her time in the White House to a deliberate choice to distance herself from the mounting controversies.
Some suggest that the stress of the past years may have taken a toll on her, leading to a self-imposed withdrawal from the public eye. As Trump faces his fourth indictment and the legal battle ahead, Melania's absence looms as an intriguing and perplexing subplot.