“She Was ‘Terrified’ He Would Win”: Melania Trump’s Reluctance During Donald Trump’s 2016 Presidential Run

Melania Trump, the former First Lady, has consistently maintained a quiet, reserved persona in the public eye. However, behind closed doors, she was reportedly far from thrilled about her husband Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential bid. In fact, she was “terrified” because she was confident that if he ran, he would win.

To fully grasp Melania’s perspective, it’s important to look back at her husband’s political ascent. Donald Trump first hinted at his political ambitions in 2011 when he began to gain attention by championing the discredited ‘birther’ conspiracy against President Barack Obama. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Trump ultimately decided not to run for president in 2012, as reported by The Guardian.

In an official statement at the time, he said, “After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the presidency…I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and recognize that running for public office cannot be done half-heartedly. Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector.”

By 2016, the political landscape had shifted, and Trump was ready to make a serious run for the presidency. Although the public narrative suggested that Donald consulted with his family before making his decision, insiders claim that Melania was not fully on board. A former campaign aide revealed, “She never wanted this, and never had any interest,” citing her fear of the changes it would bring to their family life.

Melania herself expressed similar concerns, telling her husband, “You really need to think, because our family life will change. The three of us will change. I know what it takes, traveling and all that stuff…” Yet, Melania’s communications director at the time, Stephanie Grisham, presented a different picture, stating, “Mrs. Trump supported her husband’s decision to run for president and in fact, encouraged him to do so.

She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.” However, many felt that Melania’s reluctance to fully engage in the campaign was noticeable. Unlike Michelle Obama, who was actively involved in her husband’s campaigns, Melania often stayed in the background.

As per USA Today, Throughout the campaign, her priority seemed to be her son, Barron. According to sources close to the family, “Barron has always been a first priority in [Melania’s] life. Of course, she is worried and concerned about [Donald’s] legal issues, but she has done nothing more to protect Barron now than ever. She has always put him first. She is a good mother.”

When Melania did step into the spotlight, controversy sometimes followed. One of the most notable incidents occurred during the 2016 Republican National Convention, where she gave a speech that was later found to have borrowed heavily from a speech given by Michelle Obama in 2008.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Melania remarked, “From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond, and you do what you say and keep your promise…Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”