Life in the political spotlight has never been calm for Donald Trump, but even by presidential standards, his second term continues to generate nonstop global attention. From domestic policy battles to international disputes, the 79-year-old president remains at the center of nearly every major news cycle.
Over the past week, particular focus has been placed on Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under U.S. control. The president and senior members of his administration have argued that the Arctic territory is critical to American national security, despite firm opposition from Denmark, Greenland’s leadership, and several European allies. The proposal has stirred sharp criticism and renewed debate over U.S. foreign policy and NATO relations.
While the controversy rages, another development has quietly raised eyebrows: First Lady Melania Trump has not appeared publicly with the president for more than 20 days.
First Lady’s Absence Sparks Questions
Before returning to the White House, Melania Trump had already indicated that she did not plan to take on an expansive public role during her husband’s second presidency. Still, her prolonged absence has prompted speculation among political observers and international media outlets.
Reports suggest the last time Donald and Melania Trump were seen together was during New Year’s festivities at Mar-a-Lago. Since then, the First Lady has maintained an extremely low public profile.
Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet highlighted the absence, noting that Melania posted a message on X on January 20 expressing appreciation for her time as First Lady but has not attended public events or appeared alongside the president since.
“She stands out precisely because she is not present,” wrote Sigrid Rege Gårdsvoll, a political commentator for Vårt Land and AmerikanskPolitikk.no. “It is difficult to assess Melania Trump’s role as First Lady when she is almost entirely invisible.”
Political Experts Say Silence Is Strategic
Despite online speculation, experts familiar with U.S. politics say Melania Trump’s decision to step back is neither unusual nor unexpected.
Eirik Løkke, a U.S. affairs expert and adviser at the think tank Civita, told Dagbladet that Melania’s absence reflects a clear personal preference.
“She has no desire to hold a public-facing position and prefers to remain behind the scenes,” Løkke explained. “This was evident throughout the 2024 campaign when compared with other first ladies and candidates’ spouses.”
According to Løkke, her disappearance from public view is intentional, not a sign of political or personal turmoil.
All Attention on the President
Løkke also noted that the sheer scale of attention surrounding Donald Trump leaves little room for anyone else in the spotlight.
“Donald Trump dominates everything as president,” he said. “I don’t think he has much interest in others drawing attention, and the focus on him has only intensified.”
As Trump continues to command headlines with controversial policy proposals and international disputes, Melania Trump’s quiet presence may simply reflect a calculated decision to avoid the spotlight.
For now, the First Lady’s absence remains a point of curiosity — but experts suggest it is less a mystery and more a reflection of her long-standing approach to public life within the White House.