Former president Donald Trump congratulated his wife Melania Trump for doing a “great job” as first lady after he appeared to have snubbed her on her birthday once again. Trump specifically congratulate the former first lady’s anti-bullying initiative
“Be Best,” which was launched despite her husband’s famous bullying style on the campaign trail. Melania has continued to support Trump despite his multiple cheating scandals and legal battles.
Donald Trump Says Melania Is Doing A 'Great Job'—Despite Forgetting Her Birthday
He posted the message on his social media platform Truth Social just a few days after Melania celebrated her 53rd birthday with a small gathering of friends at Mar-a-Lago. Even though Trump was posting frequently on Truth Social, he did not acknowledge or congratulate his wife at all on her birthday. PEOPLE magazine reported that it wasn't even clear if Trump attended the celebration at all!
The former president has admitted to forgetting his wife's birthday in the past. In 2018, The Boston Globe reported that Trump said he did not get a birthday present for Melania. Apparently, he remembered just beforehand and only gave her flowers and a card. Then in 2019, Trump invited the prime minister of Japan to the White House for a state dinner—forgoing any private birthday celebrations.
As Mar-a-Lago is one of Melania's favorite places, it is no surprise that she plans on welcoming another year with a family celebration. "She is comfortable and happy at Mar-a-Lago and is lucky that her family surrounds her," an insider told PEOPLE, "Melania likes a low-key celebration with family and that I believe is her plan for this year's birthday. If Donald is here, he will be joining the family to celebrate his wife’s birthday. Despite what you hear, the Trumps are a close family."
Another source told PEOPLE that Melania may leave the country soon, and might "take Barron to Europe this summer." The insider adds, "Melania is in charge of Barron and his well-being and no matter what else is going on in her life, he plays the lead role."
Melania Is Keeping Her Distance From Her Husband During His Legal Battles
Melania's birthday may have slipped Trump's mind given the multiple legal battles he's currently facing. After becoming the first ex-president to come under criminal indictment last month in New York, Trump is also awaiting a decision by the Georgia district attorney regarding whether he and members of his former legal team will face criminal charges over their attempts to overthrow the results of the 2020 election.
And, Trump was found liable for battery and defamation against E. Jean Carroll. The jury awarded Carroll about $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim and approximately $3 million for proving her defamation claim against the former president. Despite this, the former president took to Truth Social and a CNN Town Hall to once again deny the claims. Trump, meanwhile, still plans to campaign for president in the 2024 election.
