There’s a lot to understand in the wake of this week’s US presidential election. Seriously, even if we spent a month digging through everything that has been stated, theorized, and rumored in the last few days, we would still fall short of providing a complete rundown.
It’s somewhat unsurprising given that Donald Trump has been the most controversial presidential candidate in history during his three election campaigns.
Love him or hate him, you have an opinion, and it’s a measure to his charm and cult-like allure that every aspect of his life, every minute decision he makes, is scrutinized, studied, and deconstructed in order to better comprehend what the heck is going on.
And it appears that this also applies to his closest friends and family. Earlier last week, the internet erupted with pieces about the rarely-seen Barron Trump, while a slew of right-wing lickspittles pleaded to be closer to Donald in the hopes that some of his radiance might rub off on them.
Then there is Melania Trump. The former model had a powerful presence during her husband’s first two campaigns, as well as during his first tenure in the White House.
However, something has clearly changed. Perhaps it was the upheaval caused by her husband’s insane rantings in the aftermath of losing the 2020 election? Or the heinous assault on democracy that resulted in the carnage that unfolded on Capitol Hill? Or was it the hush-money scandal surrounding Melania’s pious, God-fearing husband’s shady romance with ex-p.o.r.n star Stormy Daniels?
Finally, there are a thousand and one reasons why Melania decided enough was enough and that she would rather spend her time in the shadows than be rolled out to stand at her husband’s side, displaying all the love and support of a waxwork model.
My argument is that her absence stands out. People have noticed, and it is now being speculated in numerous places that Melania may choose not to return to the White House when Donald begins his second term as president. The official line appears to be that she wants to be closer to her son, Barron, who is 18 years old and attending college.
In any case, the Trumps added more fuel to the fire earlier this week when they released a family photo following Donald’s triumph over Kamala Harris. On Wednesday, Donald Trump Jr.’s eldest kid, Kai Trump, posted a photo of nearly every member of the Trump clan (including Elon Musk), captioned “The whole squad.”
And Melania was not in it.
Many people on social media commented on the former and prospective First Lady’s absence, wondering what she was doing that prevented her from being in the shot, and why those in the photo couldn’t wait for her.
Melania emerged from the depths of, who knows where, to be by her husband’s side for the entire 2024 election day, joining him as he delivered his victory address from West Palm Beach that night.
So she was there, but not when the shot was taken. Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. since 2021, did not make the cut on election night, despite being photographed with his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump.
What are your thoughts on Melania being missing from the photo? Please share your opinions in the comments.