Melania Calls The Shots In White House? Report Claims She Doesn't Even Ask Donald Trump
Melania Calls The Shots In White House? Report Claims She Doesn't Even Ask Donald Trump Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 16:55 IST Melania
Melania Calls The Shots In White House? Report Claims She Doesn't Even Ask Donald Trump Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 16:55 IST Melania often advances issues she cares about without first seeking President Trump's approval, treating him more as a "formal signatory" than a "gatekeeper". Rapid Read Melania is operating with a much "freer hand" than during her first stint in the White House. (Reuters file) US First Lady Melania Trump is playing a significantly more active role in policymaking during President Donald Trump’s second term. According to a report by the International Business Times, Melania Trump has moved well beyond the traditionally limited role associated with first ladies and is increasingly pursuing policy initiatives independently. Citing anonymous sources, it said she often advances issues she cares about without first seeking President Trump’s approval, treating him more as a formal signatory than a gatekeeper. Expanding Influence In White House While there has been no official announcement expanding her executive responsibilities, sources quoted in the report said Melania is operating with a much “freer hand" than during her first stint in the White House.
According to the report, she has become increasingly involved in policy matters, including lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and initiatives related to child welfare. She does not even ask Donald Trump before moving on to issues she cares about. The shift marks a departure from the awareness-focused campaigns that largely defined her earlier tenure as First Lady. Observers cited by the publication suggested that Melania is now focused on establishing a distinct policy legacy of her own, separate from her husband’s political agenda. Documentary Earnings Draw Scrutiny The report comes as newly released financial disclosures from the US Office of Government Ethics shed light on Melania Trump’s earnings from her documentary “MELANIA". According to the disclosures, the First Lady received approximately $10.71 million in licensing fees from the film, which was produced and distributed by Amazon MGM Studios. The earnings have attracted attention because of the documentary’s reported commercial performance. Despite a production and promotion budget of around $75 million, the film reportedly generated only $16.6 million at the global box office and received largely negative reviews from critics.
Big Questions The financial disclosures have prompted scrutiny from some Democratic lawmakers, who questioned whether Amazon’s investment in the project was motivated by a desire to gain favour with the Trump administration. Several congressional Democrats reportedly sought explanations from Amazon executives, raising concerns about whether the arrangement could amount to a “pay-to-play" deal. Both the White House and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have rejected those allegations. Asked whether Bezos was attempting to influence the administration through the documentary deal, Trump told reporters: “No, I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know really. I’m not involved in that. That was done with my wife." Bezos also denied any improper motive, saying both Amazon and Melania Trump’s office had rejected the allegations and insisting there was no political arrangement behind the project. The developments have added to the spotlight on Melania Trump’s evolving role in the White House, where she is increasingly being viewed as a more active political figure than during her husband’s first presidency.
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