Melania Trump is the first Catholic to reside in the White House since the Kennedy administration. Confirming her faith, Melania’s spokesperson affirmed her Catholic affiliation after her visit to the Vatican. Her religious journey began in Slovenia, where she was baptized as a child. However, due to the strict control of the League of Communists of Slovenia, the baptism had to be conducted in secret.
While former President Trump openly acknowledged his religious identity during his campaign, Melania maintained a more private approach to her faith. Reflecting on her memorable encounter with the Pope, she described the experience as indelible, a cherished moment that would forever hold a special place in her heart.
Bog Boy, Little Boy
When Melania Trump was questioned about the possibility of having more children during a 2013 ABC News interview, she expressed contentment with her current family dynamic. She replied, "We are happy, and my hands are full with my two boys - my big boy and my little boy." In a 2012 interview with Parenting, Melania described herself as a "full-time mom," revealing that her husband, Donald Trump, did not partake in diaper changing or putting their son to bed.
Donald himself infamously stated during a 2005 conversation with Howard Stern, "I like kids. I mean, I won't do anything to take care of them. I'll supply funds, and she'll take care of the kids." These remarks shed light on the division of parental roles within their household.
Keeping It Neutral
In addition to her roles as a mother and First Lady, Melania Trump actively participated in various charitable endeavors. She dedicated her time to organizations such as the Martha Graham Dance Company and Love Our Children USA, showcasing her passion for the arts and her commitment to supporting children's causes. However, Melania's approach to philanthropy diverged from the traditional path taken by previous First Ladies.
Unlike her predecessors, she did not pursue a specific cause or use her position to champion a particular agenda. Her charitable efforts may not have been as prominently displayed during her time in the White House, leading to a perception that her philanthropic endeavors were less apparent compared to those of previous First Ladies.
A Non-American American
Melania Trump holds the distinction of being only the second First Lady in American history to be born outside of the United States. However, she is uniquely the first First Lady to be born in a communist nation. Melania was born in what was then Yugoslavia under the rule of Marshal Josip Tito. The first foreign-born First Lady was Louisa Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams, who was born in London. Louisa Adams had an American merchant father and an English mother.
She served as the sixth First Lady of the United States from 1825 to 1829, bringing a diverse cultural background to the role. Following in Louisa Adams' footsteps, Melania Trump brought her own international heritage and experiences as a non-native-born First Lady.
No Spotlite for Me, Thanks
Throughout her husband's campaign, Melania Trump made a deliberate effort to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. It was highly unusual for a high-profile woman like her to deliberately fade from public view. Typically, first ladies are visible figures, constantly at their husbands' sides. However, Melania took a different approach by consciously avoiding political media coverage and openly expressing her reservations about her husband's presidential campaign.
Her reluctance to conform to the prototypical role of First Lady set her apart. Despite her intentions, the camera's attention was captivated by her striking presence, making it difficult for Melania to escape the lens and the public's fascination with her.