Context:

Melania Trump's limited presence at the White House since her husband's second inauguration has sparked intrigue and speculation, as she has spent fewer than 14 days there in 108 days. Despite hiring staff for the East Wing, she is rarely seen in Washington, preferring to stay at Trump Tower or Mar-a-Lago. Her low profile is reminiscent of Bess Truman and has led to her husband taking on some traditional first lady roles. Melania has engaged in personal ventures, such as launching a cryptocurrency and a lucrative documentary deal with Amazon, while maintaining a focus on her son Barron's education and independence. Her occasional public appearances, including a recent ceremony for the International Women of Courage awards, reveal her selective engagement with the first lady's duties, amid ongoing media intrigue about her absence from the public eye.

Dive Deeper:

• Melania Trump has been notably absent from the White House, spending fewer than 14 days there since the inauguration, preferring to stay at Trump Tower or Mar-a-Lago. This limited presence has led to speculation and intrigue about her role and whereabouts.

• Despite employing staff in the East Wing, Melania rarely visits her office, leading to comparisons with previous low-profile first ladies like Bess Truman. Her sporadic appearances and preference for privacy have contributed to ongoing public curiosity.

• Donald Trump has assumed some traditional first lady roles, such as hosting events and redesigning parts of the White House, while Melania has focused on personal projects, including launching a cryptocurrency and producing a documentary with Amazon.

• Melania has prioritized her son Barron's education and independence, spending significant time with him as he attends New York University. Her motherly role remains a priority, influencing her decisions on where to spend her time.

• Public appearances, such as the International Women of Courage awards, are rare and provide insights into Melania's selective engagement with her official duties. Her absence in Washington and from traditional first lady activities continues to spark media interest.

• The Trumps have faced significant personal challenges, including a public trial involving Donald Trump's alleged infidelity and assassination attempts, which have impacted Melania's approach to her role and her concerns for family safety.

• Melania's private ventures, like her cryptocurrency and documentary, highlight her ability to leverage her public role for financial gain while maintaining a low-profile presence in the political arena.