Melania Trump's presence in the White House is "virtually non-existent" as she becomes increasingly "distant" from her husband, Donald, it has been claimed. Melania remains somewhat of a mystery these days, appearing on only 38 days in 2026 - a figure eclipsed by other First Ladies, such as Michelle Obama's 100 to 150 days and Laura Bush's approximately 120 per year.
Marriage Under Scrutiny
Donald and Melania's 21-year marriage has also been the subject of speculation. Michael Wolff alleged in his 2018 book on Trump, Fire and Fury, that it was the first time since the Kennedy era that a presidential couple had "maintained separate rooms". Trump labelled the book "really boring and untruthful", but the claims persist.
Now Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as White House communications director, suggests the pair are "distant". Speaking to journalist Joanna Coles, the American financier was asked for his opinion on the true nature of their relationship. He told the Daily Beast Podcast: "I think it's distant, you know, and I think it's distant for a number of different reasons. But I think they probably have grown apart."
First Lady's Office 'Virtually Non-Existent'
He explained that the East Wing of the White House - which traditionally housed the Office of the First Lady but was demolished to make way for Trump's $400m ballroom project - was "not there anymore". Anthony continued: "Let's say the First Lady's office, her office, is virtually non-existent. It's not staffed, and she's not working on projects like she was in the first term. And, you know, and I think people understood that going in."
Scaramucci added: "And I think her attitude is she's not going to embarrass him. He's the president of the United States, and she will serve as First Lady. But I think it's pretty clear that they're not living together. And I think it was probably pretty clear to the journalists in Trump one that they weren't living together. But that doesn't mean that she's not going to show up and be friendly, and she's not going to do certain things."
Media Speculation Continues
It isn't the first time Joanna has tackled the subject for the outlet. In July, she sat down with Michael Wolff to discuss Melania's so-called "vanishing act" and the "mystery" surrounding her. Joanna said on an episode of Inside Trump's Head: "What is she doing the rest of the time? I do have questions about her because it's very odd that she's missing, and she is particularly elegant. So I always like to know what she's wearing when she shows up. What is she doing? What she do with all her time?"
Michael described the Trump marriage as the "strangest marriage in the history of all presidential marriages". He added: "They don't know what she's going to do and they are afraid of it. Even more disturbing to the White House is that this business of hers seems to make her the center of attention, which puts her kind of in direct conflict with the President of the United States, who, as we know, can't stand anyone else being the center of attention. Doesn't mind you making money, but do not steal the limelight."
