Trump Ally Spotted in US While Wanted for UK Police Questioning
Melissa Rein Lively, the political consultant once considered for President Trump's press secretary role, has been seen in the United States for the first time since British authorities announced they wanted to question her about an alleged racist assault in London.
The founder of the "anti-woke" PR firm America First was spotted in Phoenix, Arizona, on Wednesday meeting with restaurateur Pietro Brembilla to discuss representing his new Sogno Toscano branch. When approached by the Daily Mail about the police investigation, Rein Lively abruptly turned away, stating: 'I will not be talking to any reporters.'
The London Underground Incident
The controversy stems from an incident on October 11 at Bond Street Underground station in London's West End. According to British Transport Police, a woman accidentally bumped into a couple with her stroller, triggering an aggressive response.
Police reports indicate that the man, believed to be Rein Lively's German financier boyfriend Philipp Ostermann, began shouting abuse at the woman and her family, which included two young children. When the victim tried to defend herself, the 37-year-old allegedly produced a small bottle, claimed it was pepper spray, and sprayed it toward the family.
The woman, identified online as Rein Lively, is said to have pulled one sister's hair before making lewd gestures toward the women. British Transport Police released a photograph of the couple, who were later identified through social media as Ostermann and Rein Lively.
Lavish Lifestyle and Political Ambitions
Rein Lively, 40, has publicly embraced what she calls the "MAGA look" - blonde hair, veneers and Botox - stating in a recent interview: 'This has always been my look. I just found my tribe. It's so much bigger than politics.'
The political consultant has cited President Trump's daughter Ivanka and daughter-in-law Lara as her role models. In 2020, she gained notoriety after filming herself destroying a COVID mask display in an Arizona Target while boasting about her $40,000 Rolex watch.
Rein Lively and Ostermann appear to enjoy an extravagant lifestyle, documented on her public Facebook page with photos of luxury dining, designer clothing, and international travel to destinations including Florida, the UAE, Tokyo, Austria, Germany and Italy.
Personal Life Complications
Rein Lively remains married to Jared Lively, though their relationship appears troubled. The commercial real estate broker filed for divorce in March, his second attempt in five years. Court documents reveal he cites 'wasteful spending' as a primary concern and seeks ownership of their $1.4 million Scottsdale home and another property in Sedona.
The couple previously reconciled after Rein Lively's 2020 Target incident, which she attributed to a mental health breakdown triggered by QAnon conspiracy theories. She subsequently checked into a rehabilitation facility and sought professional help.
Meanwhile, Ostermann's professional profile has disappeared from the website of Aequita, the finance firm where he works as an associate director. The company, which has offices in Munich, South Carolina and Tokyo, has not responded to inquiries about his status.
As British Transport Police continue their investigation, Rein Lively's future in political consulting remains uncertain, with the London assault allegations casting a shadow over her professional ambitions and international mobility.
