Are Donald and Melania Trump Secretly Living Separate Lives? Biographer’s Claims Reignite Public Speculation
May 16, 2025
A fresh wave of speculation about the marriage of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump has been triggered by a striking claim from author and biographer Michael Wolff. In a recent podcast appearance, Wolff stated unequivocally that the couple are "separated" and no longer maintain what many would consider a traditional marriage.
Wolff, known for his controversial portrayals of Trump in books like Fire and Fury, made the statement during a guest appearance on The Daily Beast Podcast. In response to a question from host Joanna Coles about Melania’s role in Trump’s second presidency, he replied:
“They clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage. They live separate lives. The president of the United States and the first lady are separated.”
Melania’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
These comments reflect long-standing public questions regarding the couple’s relationship, particularly due to Melania's infrequent White House appearances. According to The New York Times, she has spent fewer than 14 days at the White House since Trump resumed office in January 2025—an estimate some sources say may be “generous.”
Her few public engagements include the funeral of Pope Francis—just before her 55th birthday—and the White House Easter Egg Roll. On their return from the Vatican, she and Trump notably went their separate ways: he boarded Marine One, while she left in a separate car.
Fierce Denial from the White House
White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed Wolff’s remarks with a scathing response to The Independent, calling the author “a blithering idiot” and accusing him of “blatant lies.”
“He is an imbecile of the highest order,” Cheung stated, “and his Trump Derangement Syndrome-addled brain has caused him to lead a miserable existence devoid of reality.”
Melania’s Vision of Her Role
In an interview with Fox & Friends ahead of the inauguration, Melania Trump laid out a flexible approach to her role. She said she would be present at the White House as needed but would also travel between New York and Palm Beach depending on her responsibilities.
“My priority is to be a mom,” she emphasized, referring to her son Barron, now 19. “And to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
Safety Concerns Influencing Decisions?
According to The New York Times, two individuals close to the first lady said she was “deeply spooked” by the assassination attempts on Trump in 2024. These sources suggest her absence is partially due to longstanding concerns for her family's safety.
Support from Trusted Allies
Paolo Zampolli, the modeling agent who introduced Melania to Trump in 1998 and now serves as U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships, dismissed the speculation.
“She loves the White House,” Zampolli said. “And she loves the role of serving as our first lady.”
A Marriage Under the Microscope
While the White House deflects speculation, the Trumps’ unusual dynamic continues to captivate the public. With prominent voices making bold claims and official appearances remaining rare, the questions surrounding their marriage show no sign of fading soon.