In a break from tradition, Melania Trump was conspicuously missing from the first three nights of the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15-18. Her husband, former President Donald Trump, made a high-profile entrance amidst much applause and was joined by other family members, including sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump. However, Melania Trump was not present, and neither was his daughter Ivanka Trump.
The former first lady’s absence was considered notable as it deviated from customary practices. In normal circumstances, the wives of the Republican presidential nominees make speeches at these conventions—a tradition that Melania Trump adhered to in both 2016 and 2020. Her decision not to make a speech this year has triggered speculation about her involvement in and commitment to her husband’s campaign.
A report from The Washington Post suggests that Melania Trump’s absence indicates a broader trend of distancing herself from political events. Since the end of their term in the White House, she has chosen not to attend most of her husband’s court hearings, fundraising events, and campaign rallies.
Despite her no-show on the opening night, The Associated Press confirmed that Melania Trump was scheduled to attend the convention, although she was not mentioned as one of the keynote speakers. She made her appearance late Thursday night, on the last day of the convention.
The former first lady has maintained a low public profile this year. She was not present at the former president’s Super Tuesday victory party or his 78th birthday celebration. Additionally, she did not attend his trial in New York regarding the hush money case, where he faced numerous legal issues.
Melania Trump’s decision to skip the opening night and not give a speech, while unusual, is not entirely unexpected. The former first lady has always adopted a more subdued role compared to other political spouses. Her absence from the list of speakers represents a departure from the typical practice of having presidential spouses address the convention.
Her low-profile approach seems to have influenced other family members as well. Ivanka Trump, who was a significant figure in her father’s previous campaigns, has also withdrawn from the political scene. She has announced her decision to support her father from outside the realm of politics and was not scheduled to speak at the convention.
Despite her limited public appearances, Melania Trump has not entirely retreated from public life. She issued an uncommonly lengthy statement after an assassination attempt on her husband at a Pennsylvania rally. In the statement, she expressed sympathy for the victims and appreciation for those who helped bridge the political divide during the incident.
