As Melania Trump settles into her second stint as First Lady of the United States, her tenure is being defined not by traditional stewardship but by high-value business deals and persistently low public approval. Her official portrait, depicting her in a commanding black pantsuit, hints at a corporate-style approach to the role. This perception was cemented even before her return to the East Wing, with the revelation of a $40 million deal for a documentary about her life, a move unprecedented for a sitting First Lady.
A FLOTUS Breaking from Tradition
In a Fox News interview in early 2025, Melania Trump stated that people "don't really know" her responsibilities, from managing the transition to establishing her office. However, critics point out that previous first ladies handled these duties without monetizing their experience with a film crew in tow. This commercial approach has drawn sharp criticism, aligning with a pattern of shattering White House norms. Her popularity metrics are historically poor. When she left office in January 2021, her approval was a record low 42% for a first lady. A 2020 Siena College study ranked her last on every metric, including value to the country. By the end of 2025, a YouGov survey showed only 36% hold a positive impression of her.
The Demolition of Legacy and Controversial Stances
A powerful symbol of her unconventional tenure is the physical demolition of the historic First Lady's office in the East Wing—a space championed by Eleanor Roosevelt. Despite reportedly raising private concerns, her influence did not stop the space from being razed to make way for a donor-funded ballroom. President Donald Trump acknowledged her fondness for her "tiny little office" but claimed she later approved. Beyond architecture, her public statements have sparked international controversy. In a speech in October 2025, she downplayed Russia's abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, framing it as a consequence of wartime turmoil after communicating with President Vladimir Putin. She announced the return of eight children, stating Russia was willing to provide "objective" information, a stance that ignored widespread condemnation of what is seen as a forced deportation and re-education campaign.
Campaigns, Content, and Consistent Absence
Domestically, Melania Trump has revived her "Be Best" anti-cyberbullying initiative and supported legislation like the "Take It Down Act" against non-consensual intimate imagery. She appeared alongside the President for the signing of an executive order on foster care. Yet, these appearances are often viewed through the lens of her commercial ventures, including a newly announced production company. Her physical presence at the White House has been minimal. In the first 108 days of the second term, she spent fewer than 14 days there, making exceptions for major state visits. Her role often seems more akin to a content creator than a traditional first lady. Her documentary, "Melania," set for a January 30 theatrical release, chronicles the 20 days before the inauguration. While past first ladies focused on legacy and soft power, Melania Trump's focus appears geared towards wealth and celebrity. As her documentary prepares to debut, history's judgment on her transformative and controversial approach to being FLOTUS seems poised to be severe.
