Melania Trump's absence from 'whole squad' photo raises questions over her future

Kai Trump, Donald Trump's granddaughter, shared a heartwarming image of the "whole squad" glowing with delight as they rallied around to mark Donald Trump's sensational political resurgence.

Captured in the photograph that Kai, Don Jr. 's daughter, shared are all five of Trump's offspring, their other halves, his grandchildren - and Elon Musk, closely-knit at Mar A Lago.

"No one works harder or cares more about the American people. Congratulations, Grandpa, I love you," penned the 17 year old before sharing the family shot, which she titled "The Whole Squad".

Nevertheless, a significant figure was conspicuously missing from this landmark celebration – Trump's spouse Melania.

Earlier on Tuesday, the 54-year-old had been spotted in an infrequent joint appearance with her husband as they cast their votes near their Palm Beach dwelling.

This led up to a brief onstage moment when Trump delivered his acceptance oration following his victory over Kamala Harris. Yet, as he prepares to trade his luxurious Florida estate for the White House, a staggering thousand miles away – in just a tad over two months – speculation mounts that he might relocate without his wife.

No confirmation has yet been forthcoming, but insiders close to the former and now future First Lady hint that she may not have the inclination for a return to the demands of life in the White House. Since leaving the federal capital in January 2021, she has sought solace in a more subdued and private lifestyle, split between Mar-a-Lago and New York interludes, reports the Mirror.

She's made it abundantly clear that her life is worlds apart from the political limelight, and her conspicuous absence from nearly all of Trump's campaign events has fuelled rumours: could she be distancing herself permanently from her duties as First Lady?

And what does this imply about her relationship with Trump?

A source revealed: "It is no secret Melania, by and large, loathed her time in the White House and that on leaving, she felt it cathartic.

"She told those close to her she had no desire to return and instead focused first and foremost on being there for their son, Barron. Now he is at university. Melania has more time but no desire to use that time in Washington."

The ex-model's aversion to a White House comeback seems deeply rooted. From the onset of Trump's presidency, she maintained a gap, reportedly renegotiating her prenuptial agreement before settling into her new role.

Initially, she postponed her move from New York to Washington, claiming she wanted Barron to continue at his Manhattan school. Even after making the shift to the US capital, Melania was noted for her sparse public engagements, often limiting her participation in her husband's administration and seldom speaking out.

Her tenure was also rife with speculation of discord with Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka. Insiders suggest that Melania's stance on a second term remains unchanged and that she favours a private, independent life over a return to the political arena.

Barron's move away from the family residence has cast a spotlight on the increasing divergence between Melania's personal life and her husband's political pursuits, sparking speculation about her role in his potential return to the White House. Observers have noted her conspicuous absence from Trump's campaign trail, igniting rumours of marital "issues".

As Trump intensified his public engagements, Melania remained largely out of sight, with scant evidence of her participation. One of the few instances she publicly spoke was to dismiss comparisons of her husband to Adolf Hitler.

"He is not Hitler, and his supporters stand behind him because they want to see the country successful," she declared last week. On June 14, Trump's birthday, her silence was particularly pronounced.

Unlike other Trump family members and friends who shared celebratory messages, Melania refrained from doing so. She was also absent from his West Palm Beach birthday bash, which he hailed as "the biggest birthday party I've ever had by far."

Her nonattendance fuelled further conjecture about the state of their marriage.

Those close to Melania suggest she might confine her involvement to high-profile events rather than commit to a full-time presence in Washington.

Such an arrangement would enable her to retain both privacy and independence, taking a step back from the conventional responsibilities as First Lady while still engaging selectively in public moments. Some are speculating that she might choose to largely reside in Florida – a choice that would quite radically transform the role and see her live apart from her presidential husband.

This would mirror the couple's distinct relationship dynamic and appears to confirm rumours of their "separate but united" marital approach. Public intrigue has often surrounded Melania's relationship with Trump, particularly in light of his legal confrontations and extramarital affair allegations, such as those involving adult film star Stormy Daniels.

During the period Trump allegedly had relations with the pornographic actress, Melania was recuperating from giving birth to Barron. The details of her husband's purported infidelity were disclosed openly in court this year when he was found guilty of paying illegal hush money to Daniels to silence her.

Throughout the trial and other court events, Trump's spouse was conspicuously absent. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, once a close advisor and friend to Melania, characterised their union as a "transactional marriage."

"In so many ways that they both garnered so much out of their relationship," Winston Wolkoff, author of the "Melania and Me" tell-all book, remarked after a fallout with her former friend.

"By marrying Donald, Melania really did finally get to be the Vogue cover model that she's always wanted to be, that supermodel, and by marrying Melania, Donald was legitimised as trying to get away from that whole playboy mentality that everyone wanted to characterise him as," she explained.

When questioned about Melania being at Trump's side for his trial, Winston Wolkoff added: "I do not see her supporting him this way because she is not someone who, I think, that you can feel that humiliation without having to put yourself in front of the cameras."

"Everything Melania does is staged, so everything is articulated in a way for her before she does her interviews. So everything, like I said, is very strategically planned.

"She is not going to put herself in a position where she's giving anyone the opportunity to say anything negative about her."

The decision Melania makes regarding a return to Washington carries personal and political weight. If she accompanies Trump back to the White House, her presence could enhance the administration's image, injecting a dose of glamour and unity into the Trump brand.

Conversely, if she opts to remain in Florida, she will be redefining the role of First Lady, adopting a lifestyle and position that diverge from conventional norms.

In doing so, she may herald a new era for First Ladies, where a partner's independence and personal choices take centre stage. As the US watches with bated breath, Melania's future moves remain uncertain.

Whether she re-enters the Washington limelight or stays put in Florida will not only shape her relationship with Trump but also the public's perception of the modern First Lady's role. Her decision will be a pivotal moment for the second act of the Trump administration, indicating whether Melania will return to Washington at her husband's side or continue living life on her own terms.

Regardless of her location - Washington, Palm Beach or New York - the couple will maintain separate sleeping arrangements.

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