Melania Trump is stepping back into the public eye, this time with a memoir in the works, and naturally, the announcement is already stirring up plenty of reactions.
In a dramatic black-and-white video posted to X, the former first lady shared that her upcoming book, Melania, set to hit shelves on September 24, is an effort to “clarify the facts” surrounding her life. Despite her often private nature, she’s claiming a “responsibility” to set the record straight on what has been a deeply scrutinized and, as she puts it, “misrepresented” public profile.
“As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts. I believe it is important to share my perspective. The truth,” she said.
The teaser video does what it’s meant to do—stir curiosity. Set to swelling orchestral music, it weaves between images of Melania helping children, highlights of her modeling days, and moments with Donald Trump during his presidency. But in true Melania fashion, it’s what’s left unsaid that’s fueling the most conversation. Her appearances with Donald have been notably rare since his return to the campaign trail, and her absence has sparked rumors about her role—or lack thereof—in a potential second term.
The timing of the memoir’s release, just two months before the 2024 presidential election, is no accident. With whispers that Melania may opt out of traditional first lady duties if Donald Trump returns to the White House, her upcoming book could offer insight into those choices. Mary Jordan, who authored The Art of Her Deal, an unauthorized biography, even hinted that Melania might bypass the White House entirely, dividing her time between Trump properties in Florida and New York.
Former First Lady Melania Trump teasing her new book out in Oct: “As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts.“ https://t.co/JrV2OKtKal
— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) September 5, 2024
However, the buzz surrounding her memoir isn’t all positive. Critics are already taking aim at the book’s design, noting its striking resemblance to a Chanel book cover. Some couldn’t help but draw parallels to 2016 when Melania was accused of plagiarizing portions of Michelle Obama’s Democratic National Convention speech. Add to that the relentless chatter from online users, some referencing the Stormy Daniels saga, and it’s clear that Melania’s latest move isn’t going unnoticed.
But as always, Melania seems unfazed. Whether or not she feels compelled to address the speculation, the book will likely provide another layer to the ever-mysterious first lady. Just as she once donned that infamous jacket, declaring, “I really don’t care, do u?”—it seems Melania, once again, will do things on her own terms.
