Melania’s influence on Trump’s foreign policy greater than initially assumed

Despite maintaining a low profile during Donald Trump’s second term, Melania Trump’s influence behind the scenes may be more significant than once thought — especially in shaping aspects of his foreign policy. While her absence from public events has sparked headlines like “Where’s Melania?” and raised questions about her role as first lady, insiders describe her as a “quiet force” who has helped frame the president’s tougher stance on Russia and other global issues.

Melania’s subtle role 

Melania’s influence became apparent during Trump’s first term. According to The Telegraph, she played a pivotal role in her husband’s decision to launch airstrikes on Syria in 2017, following the Assad regime’s chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun. A former White House official said Melania was “horrified” by footage of children dying in the attack and urged Trump to take action. “I think she reacts to human suffering as a mom, without a policy or political filter, and shares her gut reaction with her husband,” the source claimed.

Expert insight 

Katherine Jellison, a historian at Ohio University and an expert on first ladies, says Melania has redefined the role in her own way — often away from the cameras. “It may be that she does have more influence on her husband’s thinking about issues than the general public might initially recognize because they seem to have this very traditional marriage in terms of gender role: He’s the boss. She’s the helpmate,” she explained. “But I think there has to be more to her than that, in that she has gone her own way a number of times.”

Melania’s own words

Melania herself has acknowledged her independence. In an interview with Fox News ahead of Trump’s second inauguration, she said, “Some people, they see me as just the wife of the president, but I’m standing on my own two feet, independent. I have my own thoughts. … I don’t always agree [with] what my husband is saying or doing, and that’s OK.”

Trump’s stance on Melania 

Trump has also alluded to his wife’s influence, particularly regarding Russia. Recalling a recent conversation, he said, “I go home, I tell the first lady, ‘I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.’ She said, ‘Oh, really? Another city was just hit.’” Professor Jellison believes Melania’s quiet influence is easy to overlook, especially given her heavily accented English and media portrayal. “It wouldn’t surprise me that she does have some differing opinions, and might assert those to her husband behind closed doors and might have an influence on his thinking,” she said.

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