How Melania Trump influences US politics?

Melania Trump rarely speaks publicly, but her influence on politics is much more tangible behind the scenes. This is especially evident in the US approach to the conflict in Ukraine.

Her soft but firm position on Russian aggression proved to be key. It is known that President Trump changed his position and approved the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine after Melania reminded him about civilian casualties - quoting how he told her at home: "we were talking to Putin, and she replied: 'Oh yeah? And another city was just bombed.'" He then said that his attitude became more critical of Russia, largely thanks to her reminders about the consequences of strikes on civilian areas.

In the area of social initiatives, Melania is actively working. Her first public appearance in the second presidential term was dedicated to the "Take It Down Act" bill, aimed at protecting children and adolescents from deepfakes and revenge pornography on the internet. She emphasized society's responsibility for online youth safety and expressed support for her "Be Best" initiative, launched during the first term.

In her memoir, she also expressed personal support for women's right to abortion. According to her, this is a fundamental right to individual freedom, and each woman's decision should remain personal, without state intervention. This position sharply contrasts with the policies of her husband and many Republican Party representatives.

Melania maintains a significant degree of personal independence. Although she rarely appears in public and did not actively participate in the 2020 or 2024 campaigns, she remains a close advisor to Donald Trump. In private settings, her opinion carries weight: she analyzes campaign progress, evaluates her husband's speeches, and even participated in selecting the vice president, favoring the candidate who, in her opinion, would not undermine the president's authority.

In 2024, she returned to the public sphere as an honorary guest and organizer of charity events for Log Cabin Republicans – a conservative LGBT organization. At one event, she raised more than a million dollars to support loyal swing states.

In summary, Melania Trump influences US policy primarily in an indirect way. She uses soft power - personal conversations, moral arguments, initiatives to protect children and women - and exerts influence where personality is read, rather than loud statements.