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Since Donald Trump announced he would run for the presidency in 2024, his wife, Melania, has skipped almost all of his political events. Presumably, this fact has no impact on voters candidate preferences, but as most of Trumps GOP rivals have decided theyre not going to criticize him for his MAGA policies or for getting indicted four times, its basically all theyve got. Thus someone tried to embarrass Trump at an Iowa football game earlier this month by flying a Wheres Melania? banner over the stadium and distributing Missing posters featuring the former First Lady. (Trump suggested on Truth Social that he blames Ron DeSantis, but its unclear whos responsible.)

Trump ignored these pranks at the time, but he couldnt avoid questions about his wifes whereabouts for long. In two interviews released on Thursday, Trump insisted he actually digs Melanias general I really dont care, do u? vibe, even though it leaves people with the impression that she doesnt like him all that much.

In an interview for theMegyn Kelly Showpodcast, the former Fox News host asked Trump how Melania is doing since we havent seen a lot of her lately. Shes doing very well. Shes very strong. Very even-keeled, Trump replied. And shes a very good woman, as you know.

He went on to brag that his wife was a very popular First Lady (among his supporters) and that she was on the cover of Vogue before she met him (which is false she appeared on the cover in 2005 wearing her wedding dress). He lamented that Melania took a lot of flak for her questionable Christmas dcor and couldnt book Vogue covers after he entered politics. Its so sad, but she doesnt care, he commented.

Then, without further prompting from Kelly, Trump offered this detailed, heartwarming anecdote about how his wife of 18 years actually doesnt hate him:

Shes a very calm person. Its very interesting. And I think thats what people like about her. Our dinners are nice. Dinners are like other peoples dinners. We get along. We actually get along very well.

So what is it that people misunderstand about her, Kelly wondered. Following a long tangent about Barbara Walterss desire to interview Greta Garbo, Trump said its that Melania doesnt crave positive media attention.

Shes introspective, Trump said. She doesnt need to be interviewed by you to get ripped apart for no reason. She doesnt need to be out there. Shes got confidence. Shes got a lot of self-confidence.

Its pretty clear at this point that Melania doesnt give a damn about media narratives. But will Trump supporters ever see their favorite First Lady on the campaign trail again? Kelly didnt get a clear answer out of the former president, but new Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker fared a little better: In their interview, Trump shed some light on Melanias whereabouts (Shes right now with Barron at school) and promised shell be with us on the trail.

When might this be happening? Welker asked.

Emm, soon? Yeah, pretty soon, Trump replied warily. When its appropriate. But pretty soon. Shes a private person. A great person. Very confident person. And she loves our country very much. At the appropriate time, shell be out there.

Trump then seemed to realize that soon is too specific an answer when it comes to Melania. Honestly, I like to keep her away from it, he added. Its so nasty and so mean.

So it turns out Melania isnt in hiding because she hates her husband but because she hates us. If we wanted to see more of her, we shouldve been a little nicer about her frightening holiday dcor.

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Here is the original post:
Donald Trump Reveals He and Melania 'Actually Get Along' - New York Magazine