Melania Trump appears to have emerged from her absence.
Amid lighthearted speculation surrounding her supposed “disappearance”—fueled by the fact that she has remained out of the public eye since her husband’s inauguration last month—the First Lady has now addressed the matter with a public statement.
Donald Trump comments on Melania’s feet
For those who haven’t been following recent discussions, 54-year-old Melania first sparked curiosity over her whereabouts after missing multiple White House events in recent weeks.
The mother-of-one—who shares her 18-year-old son, Barron, with the 47th U.S. president—was notably absent from a key meeting Trump held with several world leaders earlier this month on February 4.
While figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Jordan’s King Abdullah gathered at the White House, Melania was nowhere to be seen.
She also reportedly skipped a formal dinner hosted by Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, for Republican senators and their spouses. Additionally, she chose not to attend the Super Bowl last weekend.
Adding to the intrigue, the last online activity involving Melania was a portrait of her posted on the @flotus Instagram account last month.
“Does anyone know where Melania is now? She was right by his side & now she’s gone. I miss her being here!” one fan recently wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user questioned: “Where is Melania? It’s been quite some time since she’s been in public.”
However, it seems she is alive and well, as she has now broken her silence with a statement announcing that White House tours will soon resume following the transition period of the Trump family.
Melania confirms White House tours will resume
According to Fox News, a newly released press statement signed by Melania reads:
“The President and I are excited to reopen the White House to those interested in the extraordinary story of this iconic and beautiful landmark.
“There is much to learn about the American Presidency, the First Families who have lived here, and our Nation’s rich history from a firsthand experience at the White House.”
She continued: “This opportunity is unique among nations around the globe—a tradition we are honored to continue for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year.”
Melania and Barron to divide their time across three locations
Prior to this latest update, many speculated that Melania had been spending much of her time in New York, where Barron is currently enrolled at NYU’s Stern School of Business.
This theory seemed to stem in part from a past statement she made regarding her living arrangements going forward.
Speaking to Fox News last month on January 13, Melania opened up about how she and her son would divide their time among three locations—Washington D.C., New York City, and Palm Beach, Florida—over the next four years, while prioritizing one in particular.
Asked where she would be spending the most time, Melania stated:
“I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach.
“My first priority is to be a mum, to be a First Lady, to be a wife.”