Melania Trump: A ‘Model’ First Lady?

Zafeera Abdoola, B.A Politics and Global Development 09/12/2024

Infamous for her deficient interest in the more traditional responsibilities of the First Lady, Melania Trump has found herself the subject of fascination and glorification on many social media platforms. With edits of her circulating on TikTok, Melania Trump’s image seems to have been revamped.  

Melania Trump’s distancing from the White House and demonstration of moments of confrontation with Donald Trump has led many to perceive the former and soon-to-be First Lady as relatably dissatisfied with the Trump regime, as well as with her bureaucratic obligations. However, Melania’s allegiance arguably lies against the interest of the young people glorifying her. In her newly released memoir, Melania states that she was not ‘aware’ of the Capitol Riots of January 6th 2021 and ‘questions the results’ of the election, showing her loyalty to Trump and the Republican agenda. 

The recent glorification of Melania could be attributed to the dynamics of a relationship some claim to be derived from the pursuit of social mobility. As many joke that ‘girlie just wanted a Birkin’, the Trump marriage is presented as visibly transactional and superficial. On the other hand, speaking to a larger issue of patriarchal relationships, her resistance within this dynamic may resonate with some marginalised groups. Her materialistic union with Trump, seemingly void of affection and care, is even viewed as ‘iconic’ to some, as she shows a lack of interest in maintaining her political responsibilities to his campaign while reaping the benefits of her marriage. 

In her carefree attitude towards the responsibilities of a First Lady, Melania challenges the outdated role. As a position that has been exclusively held by women, the concept of a First Lady is an unpaid figure who is not recognised by the constitution and yet has a plethora of  gradually formalised responsibilities. This is arguably an example of the unpaid and unrecognised labour expected of women more widely. The role of the First Lady in relation to the President promotes and idealises an image of women which aligns with traditional patriarchal gender roles. 

Deviating from this convention, Melania expressed her frustration about expectations surrounding the White House Christmas decorations. CNN reports that, in a secretly recorded conversation, Melania states, ‘who gives a fuck about the Christmas stuff and decorations [...] ?’ This acknowledgement of the aesthetic yet inescapable nature of her duties may humanise her, something that is seen in the use of this specific quotation in many TikTok edits of her.

It is undeniable that the role of First Ladies and public perception of the President are intrinsically dependent. Viewed as extensions of their husbands, the behaviour and opinions of First Ladies have been massively politically influential.  From large movements such as Nancy Regan’s D.A.R.E campaign, to the scrutiny of personal decisions like Michelle Obama’s hairstyle, the First Lady has far-reaching impacts. Whether Melania likes it or not, her role as Donald Trump’s wife does make her a part of the larger political team surrounding the President-elect, even if she might disagree with some of his policy stances (recently exemplified by her outspoken pro-choice opinion).

The romanticisation of Melania may be rooted in an appreciation of her dismissal of conventions, but her role, especially within the context of her political party, directly contributes to the degradation of the rights of women. It is of course important to recognise the misogyny behind the role of the First Lady, and one can say that Melania is challenging the role and its patriarchal conventions. Meanwhile, it is also imperative to hold Melania accountable for her contribution and loyalty to Trump policies and its real-life effects on fundamental women’s rights. To do otherwise and blindly glorify her as ‘iconic’ would be to the detriment of true feminist change.