Controversy has long followed Donald Trump, but even by presidential standards, his ability to dominate headlines remains extraordinary. While scrutiny comes with the office, Trump’s second term has already proven especially turbulent.
Over the past week, attention has centered on the 79-year-old president’s renewed fixation on Greenland. Trump, along with senior members of his administration, has repeatedly argued that bringing Greenland under U.S. control is essential to American national security. These claims have been made despite firm opposition from Denmark, Greenlandic leaders, and several European allies—along with warnings that any forced acquisition could strain or even damage NATO relationships.
The proposal has triggered intense backlash worldwide. Amid the uproar, however, another detail has caught observers’ attention: the notable absence of Melania Trump.
Before returning to the role of First Lady for a second time, Melania made it clear she had little interest in embracing a high-profile public position. Still, reports now suggest she has not been seen alongside the president for roughly 20 days—a gap that some analysts believe is entirely by her own choice.
Until recently, Greenland—part of the Kingdom of Denmark since the 19th century—rarely crossed the minds of most Americans. Since the start of the year, however, it has become one of the most debated geopolitical topics globally. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of “buying” or “taking over” the territory, despite consistent and emphatic refusals from Denmark and Greenland itself.
While Trump is no stranger to political firestorms, the prolonged absence of the First Lady has raised eyebrows among commentators. According to reports, the last public appearance of Donald and Melania Trump together was during New Year’s celebrations at Mar-a-Lago.
Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet was among the first to highlight Melania’s disappearance from public view. Although she posted a message on X on January 20 thanking supporters for her first year back as First Lady, she has otherwise remained unseen, the outlet reports.
“She is conspicuous by her absence,” wrote Sigrid Rege Gårdsvoll, a commentator for Vårt Land and AmerikanskPolitikk.no. “It is fundamentally difficult to form an opinion about Melania Trump as First Lady because she is simply not visible.”
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| PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – APRIL 6: Republican presidential candidate, former US President Donald Trump, arrives at the home of billionaire investor John Paulson, with former first lady Melania Trump, on April 6, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. Donald Trump’s campaign is expecting to raise more than 40 million dollars when major donors gather for his biggest fundraiser yet. The event is billed as the “Inaugural Leadership Dinner”. (Photo by Alon Skuy/Getty Images) |
For those familiar with the dynamic of Trump’s second presidency, Melania’s low profile may not be surprising—but it has nonetheless fueled speculation.
Eirik Løkke, a U.S. expert and advisor at the Norwegian think tank Civita, told Dagbladet that Melania’s decision to stay out of the spotlight is entirely consistent with her past behavior.
“She does not want a public role and prefers to remain in the background,” Løkke explained. “That was clear throughout the 2024 election campaign, especially when compared with previous first ladies and spouses of presidential candidates.”
According to Løkke, her absence is a deliberate and calculated choice.
“Everything revolves around Donald Trump and his presidency. I don’t think he’s interested in anyone else receiving attention—and now there’s more attention than ever.”
What do you make of Melania Trump’s absence from public view? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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