But something seems to have changed. Maybe it was the chaos after Donald lost the 2020 election, or the attack on democracy that took place on Capitol Hill. Or maybe it was the hush-money scandal involving Melania’s husband and his affair with Stormy Daniels.

There are countless reasons why Melania may have decided to step back from the spotlight. Perhaps she no longer wanted to stand by her husband’s side as a figurehead, showing support without much expression.

Her absence is noticeable, and people have begun to wonder if she will even return to the White House when Donald potentially begins his second term. The official reason seems to be that she wants to stay closer to their son, Barron, who is now 18 and a college student.

Things got more interesting earlier this week when the Trumps shared a family photo after Donald’s victory over Kamala Harris. Donald Trump Jr.’s eldest child, Kai Trump, posted a picture showing nearly every member of the Trump family (including Elon Musk) with the caption “The whole squad.”

However, Melania was not in it.

Her absence didn’t go unnoticed, and many people on social media began to ask why she wasn’t included in the photo and why the others couldn’t wait for her.

Despite this, Melania was by Donald’s side on election day in 2024. She joined him for his victory speech in West Palm Beach that night.