Speculation over the state of Donald and Melania Trump’s relationship has reached a fever pitch after a new report revealed that the former First Lady has only spent 12 days at the White House since January—despite her husband’s official return to office. The figure, confirmed by two White House staffers speaking anonymously to multiple outlets, has sparked a media frenzy and a tidal wave of public reaction online.
“We barely see her,” one aide told CNN. “When she does come, it’s quiet, private, and very brief. She’s not participating in any public-facing roles.” The sources also added that Melania prefers to stay at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, making rare and brief trips to Washington only when absolutely necessary.
BREAKING: Melania Trump has reportedly spent just 12 days at the White House since January. Sources say she’s staying at Mar-a-Lago “nearly full-time.” https://t.co/M6bXyq3CTf #MelaniaTrump pic.twitter.com/z9pxbdENxO— CNN (@CNN) May 31, 2025
The report has triggered shock and widespread speculation about the former First Couple’s personal dynamic. While Trump has continued his campaign-style rallies and high-profile political meetings, Melania has remained almost completely absent from public life.
“It’s incredibly unusual,” said historian Kate Andersen Brower on MSNBC. “No First Lady—past or present—has ever maintained such a distance from Washington or the White House for this long.”
Kate Andersen Brower: “This is unprecedented. The First Lady’s extended absence from the White House is unlike anything we’ve seen before.” https://t.co/pDN9RzTYow #MSNBC pic.twitter.com/Ai8bOw9KKh— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 31, 2025
Online reactions were swift. A viral post from @PopCrave read, “Melania Trump spending just 12 days at the White House in 5 months? That’s not a schedule—that’s a vacation.”
PopCrave: “Melania Trump’s 12-day White House streak is causing major buzz. Twitter is calling it ‘the softest First Lady comeback ever.’” https://t.co/HZ6ZvTYmUo #Trending pic.twitter.com/TkyHceoOYi— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 31, 2025
Despite the chatter, neither Melania nor Donald Trump has directly addressed the report. However, sources close to the family say Melania is simply “focused on being a mother” and prefers a more private, removed role during Trump’s presidency.
“She’s not interested in performing,” said one longtime Trump associate speaking to Fox News. “She never has been.” Laura Ingraham added during her primetime segment, “Melania was never your typical First Lady. She’s made that very clear—and maybe that’s exactly why some people can’t stop talking about her.”
Laura Ingraham: “Melania has never played by the traditional First Lady rules. And frankly, that drives some people nuts.” https://t.co/GKHlqNZqWy #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/jw4UxSnYJL— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 31, 2025
As speculation continues to swirl, one thing is certain: Melania Trump’s presence—or absence—remains one of the most closely watched mysteries inside the new White House era.
