Real reason Melania Trump skipped presidential debate

Former First Lady was absent from the presidential debate, raising questions about her role in Trump's campaign.

Melania Trump was notably absent from Thursday’s chaotic debate, during which President Joe Biden struggled to articulate his points clearly, and former President Donald Trump faced accusations of spreading falsehoods during his speaking time. 

CNN had previously confirmed that Melania would not attend, making her absence unsurprising.

In contrast to Dr. Jill Biden, who actively supports her husband’s campaign and was present to assist him after the debate, Melania has maintained a low profile throughout Trump’s latest campaign. She did not appear at his campaign launch in Iowa, distanced herself from the Stormy Daniels trial, and has not attended recent rallies. Her last public appearance with Trump was at their son Barron’s high school graduation in May.

Experts suggest that if Trump wins in November, Melania may not return to Washington, D.C., full-time. Mary Jordan, author of a book on Melania, and Kate Andersen Brower, a First Lady expert, believe she disliked her time in Washington and might prefer staying in Florida, especially with Barron likely heading to NYU.

An insider told Page Six, “She’s a hands-on mother, and is already planning to spend part of every month — and potentially every week — in NYC,” if Barron, 18, attends NYU. The insider added, “Barron has never been completely on his own before — and with the added stress of him being both a freshman in college and potentially the son of a president in a predominantly Democratic city, [Melania] wants to be close… The added attention he’ll get if his father is president worries Melania, who is also concerned about reaction at his school over Barron’s ever-present Secret Service [detail].”