Debate has emerged over US First Lady Melania Trump’s limited public appearances during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Melania Trump has made public appearances on only 38 days so far this year, with her most recent appearance coming at the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19.
The former model and first lady has also skipped several high-profile events where the presence of a US first lady would traditionally be expected. These include the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a revamped White House Correspondents’ Association event and a July 22 ceremony honouring fallen US military personnel.
According to NBC News, Melania has attended roughly half as many public events during the corresponding period of Trump’s second term compared with the same period of his first presidency.
Her biographers and media commentators say Melania is generally a private and reserved person who carefully selects her public engagements. They note that she maintains a cautious and restrained presence at public events and avoids speaking spontaneously.
