Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former close aide to Melania Trump, has publicly speculated on the dynamics of the marriage between Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Based on her past relationship with the ex-FLOTUS, Wolkoff has presented a picture of a relationship that appears to be more strategic than affectionate.
On Sunday, June 16, Wolkoff shared her thoughts on an old video from the premiere of “The Apprentice” season six, featuring Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and their son Barron. The video depicts Melania as a devoted mother and Trump as an attentive father. Wolkoff suggests that this image was deliberately designed to present a certain public perception, one that concealed the actual dynamics of their relationship.
Wolkoff posits that Donald Trump desired a spouse who would allow him to be the primary focus, and their marriage was mutually beneficial for both parties. For Melania, it enabled her to fulfill her ambition of being featured on the cover of Vogue magazine, while for Donald, it allowed him to discard his playboy reputation and appear more respectable. This assertion is supported by Ramin Setoodeh’s book, “Apprentice in Wonderland,” which delves into Trump’s tenure as a reality TV star. The book quotes Trump admitting that his journey to the presidency would have been impossible without “The Apprentice.”
Wolkoff’s assertions go beyond the Trumps’ marriage, discussing the crucial role “The Apprentice” played in their path to the White House. Wolkoff took to social media to emphasize her belief that the show, developed by “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett and NBC boss Jeff Zucker, was key in shaping the image of Donald Trump as a successful businessman, and Melania as his model wife. Wolkoff contends that this carefully cultivated image played a significant part in their political ascent.
The response to Wolkoff’s assertions has been diverse yet striking on social media. Some users have agreed with her, indicating that without “The Apprentice,” Donald Trump would have remained relatively unknown to most of the country. Some have highlighted that the show helped to disguise Trump’s financial struggles and alleged fraudulent activities, creating a facade of success for the public.
Wolkoff also criticizes Melania’s absence from Donald Trump’s recent hush money trial. Although Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that Melania’s absence should not be interpreted as a lack of love and support, Wolkoff staunchly disagrees. She maintains that genuine love and support involve standing by someone unconditionally, regardless of external perceptions. Wolkoff argues that Melania’s decision to skip the trial over concerns about appearances suggests a lack of genuine concern.
Wolkoff has been outspoken about her belief that the Trumps’ relationship was essentially transactional, with both parties reaping substantial benefits from the marriage. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, she inferred that Melania realized her long-standing aspiration of becoming a Vogue cover model, while Trump gained a more respectable public persona. “I think people have to remember who Melania really is,” Wolkoff told Tapper while discussing Donald Trump’s ongoing hush money trial in New York.
The comments from Wolkoff have rekindled debates about the genuineness of high-profile relationships and the influence of media portrayals on public opinion. The throwback video from “The Apprentice” along with Wolkoff’s remarks provide insight into the intricacies of the Trump marriage, suggesting that the image presented to the public may have been meticulously crafted for maximum impact.
Wolkoff, who penned a revealing book titled “Melania and Me” in 2020, continues to be a critic of the Trump family following her fallout with Melania. Their relationship deteriorated after it was revealed that Wolkoff’s event planning company had been paid $26 million to coordinate Trump’s inauguration, with Wolkoff’s firm reportedly retaining $1.62 million.
