Donald Trump is known for not knowing what will happen next. But behind his big words and sudden choices is someone who is quietly giving him advice: his wife, Melania.
Trump himself says that Melania has become more like an advisor. In at least one recent case, it was clear that she changed his mind, and he said so in public.
During a news conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said that he had told Melania about his “great talk” with Putin.
She wasn’t shy, Melania.
“Really?” she said. “While you were talking, the Russians bombed another Ukrainian city…”
Trump didn’t say what he thought about what she said.
Trump’s message about Russia changed from nice to tough after that. Many people say Melania had something to do with that. Some reporters and experts think she’s more than just First Lady; they see her as one of Trump’s most trusted advisors.
One Republican lawmaker even made a joke:
“You can smell her influence in Trump’s decisions.”
Melania’s Power Isn’t Just in Ukraine
It’s not the first time Melania has changed U.S. policy. Let’s look at some important cases.
1. Giving Ukraine a hand
We didn’t know for sure in June 2025 if the U.S. would keep sending weapons to Ukraine. Insiders say Melania persuaded Trump to give the backing again.
Rep. Don Bacon of the House said:
“We should thank Melania. She’s from Slovenia, where people don’t like Russians. She reminds the President every day that Russia is bombing Ukraine.”
2. Families Are Being Split Up at the Border
Thousands of immigrant families were split up at the border during Trump’s first term. Melania privately informed Trump that she disagreed with this approach and suggested its modification. He did it.
3. Not allowing flavored vapes
Also, Melania was worried that American teens were using fruity vapes, which is thought to be bad for them. Many people were surprised when Trump banned sweet vape cartridges in 2019 because she pushed him to do so.
4. Choices Made by Staff
Reports say that Melania has also helped Trump decide which employees to hire or fire, especially ones who have done bad work or been disloyal.
“Agent Trumpenko”: Help or the Next President?
On the internet, some people joke that she is “Agent Trumpenko” and post pictures of her wearing traditional Ukrainian clothes. Some people aren’t laughing as much and are asking why she doesn’t run for office herself.
It may seem impossible right now, but she’s already learning how to do it, and Hillary Clinton’s history can help her. Hillary was First Lady at first and then Secretary of State. She almost made it to the White House.
A House of First Ladies and Presidents
It’s not a new idea that a First Lady has a lot of power. Do you remember Jill Biden? Some joked that she really ran the country when Joe Biden was president. The reporter Brandon Weichert once wrote:
“Jill is probably the real power behind the throne.”
Even more, Joe Biden chose to release his son Hunter, who was facing criminal charges. Biden said:
“I hope Americans will understand why, as a father and as president, I did what I did.”
Of course, people in the US “got it.”
Malala is now the next person to stand behind the king.
Some people, like Congressman Mo Brooks, even said she should get a prize for ‘setting the President straight.’
Trump—a president who goes with his gut and listens to his family
It is well known that Trump often makes decisions based on his feelings, as he frequently states. He hears what his family, business friends, and sometimes even the gardener at Mar-a-Lago have to say.
Picture this: As Trump strolls through his yard, he spots the gardener. The two of them strike up a conversation, and then the gardener says something important about foreign policy. After two days, the White House made a new statement. Not impossible!
Is it a surprise then that someone as close to him as Melania would have a big say in choices like how to deal with Russia? Not really. Even more so now.
What’s Next?
Last week, Trump complained of swelling legs and bruises on his hands, which are signs that he is getting older. His doctors found long-term vein problems, but they say his health is fine overall.
He still has more than three years left as president, and he’ll probably need more help from experts and friends… and especially from Melania.
Melania Trump could serve as the silent power behind Donald Trump’s next phase of his presidency, much like Jill Biden did for her husband.
Yes, she doesn’t have a title, but when President Trump makes a big choice…
It’s likely that his wife helped make it.