Former First Lady Melania Trump’s upcoming memoir has ignited controversy after she released a teaser video promoting the book, set to be published on October 1. The memoir, titled Melania, promises to offer the former model’s perspective on her life in the public eye and aims to address what she described as misrepresentation and scrutiny.
In a black-and-white 45-second video posted on social media, Melania reflects on the process of writing the book, describing it as a "deeply personal and reflective journey." The clip, which features footage of her engaging with children and traveling, also includes shots of her alongside her husband, former President Donald Trump.
Melania’s promise to "share [her] perspective: the truth" quickly sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Many questioned whether the former First Lady, who has maintained a relatively low profile compared to her husband, can truly offer an unfiltered account, given her association with Donald Trump, a figure known for his controversial relationship with the truth.
Social media erupted with skepticism, as many users voiced doubts about Melania’s claims to set the record straight. One critic asked, “Should we trust someone married to a pathological liar?” while another expressed doubts about her credibility, suggesting that words like "facts" and "responsibility" didn’t align with the image she projects.
Melania has been largely absent from her husband’s 2024 campaign rallies, a fact that did not go unnoticed by her detractors. Some questioned her willingness to promote her memoir but not make appearances alongside Donald Trump on the campaign trail. Despite her limited public appearances, the former First Lady has remained a key figure in Trump’s inner circle, particularly as the 2024 election looms closer.
The criticism didn’t stop at Melania’s promises in the video; her memoir’s cover also drew mockery. The minimalist design, featuring a solid black background with white text, was likened to the cover of Chanel Catwalk by Patrick Mauries, with some observers accusing her of lacking originality.
Her memoir’s release also includes a signed collector’s edition priced at $150, raising eyebrows as critics wondered if the content would live up to the price tag.
Despite the backlash, Melania has maintained a quiet but loyal following, with supporters lauding her elegance and composure during her time as First Lady. Still, her absence from the political spotlight has only fueled speculation about her current role in Donald Trump’s life and campaign.
In a rare public statement following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump earlier this year, Melania expressed her gratitude toward law enforcement and the Secret Service, calling the incident a near-fatal moment for her family. Her comments, while reflective of the personal toll the attack took, have done little to silence critics who continue to question her public messaging and memoir’s authenticity.
As the release date for Melania approaches, it remains to be seen how the memoir will be received by the public and whether it will help reshape her image—or further entrench her as a controversial figure within the Trump orbit.