Melania Trump Says She Was ‘Persecuted’ Even After Husband’s First Term

Incoming First Lady Melania Trump spoke openly about the challenges she has faced since leaving the White House in 2021 during an October 7 interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo.

Melania shared that the intense scrutiny began when Donald Trump announced his presidential run in 2015 and has continued even after their departure from the White House at the end of his first term.

She recounted one striking instance where an entire banking institution severed ties with her unexpectedly. “The bank suddenly informed me they will not be able to do business with me anymore,” she said.

Additionally, Melania described being dropped by a major email service provider and an incident where her attempt to contribute to a foster children’s scholarship fund was thwarted. Initially, the university had welcomed her donation, but that attitude shifted when her identity became known.

“The board of directors called back, they found out that it was me, they said ‘We could not go on,’” Melania explained. “And it’s very sad because who suffered? They were children from the foster community. They didn’t have a scholarship that somebody would provide for them. They didn’t want to do business with me because of political affiliation, my political beliefs,” she added.

When asked if this type of persecution has diminished in recent years, Melania remarked, “I think some people got the courage and they see what’s going on. They’re not afraid to speak, but it’s still going on. I think it’s still ‘cancel culture,’ and that trend is still going on.”

The interview coincided with the promotion of her memoir, Melania, which has reached No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.

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In another interview aired Friday, Melania credited her son Barron Trump with playing a pivotal role in her husband’s return to the White House.

“He is a grown young man,” she said. “I’m very proud of him, about his knowledge, even about politics and giving advice to his father. He brought in so many young people. He knows his generation.”

Melania emphasized how Barron’s understanding of modern media platforms helped his father connect with younger audiences. “Because nowadays, the younger generation, they don’t sit in front of TV anymore. They are all on the tablets. They’re on the phones and all of these podcasts and streamers,” she explained.

“He was very vocal, and he gave advice to his father. And it was incredible how he brought in success because he knew exactly who his father needed to contact and to talk to,” she noted.

Barron reportedly suggested appearances on popular platforms such as The Joe Rogan Experience, the Adin Ross stream on Kick, This Past Weekend with Theo Von, and the PBD Podcast hosted by Patrick Bet-David.

Melania also spoke about Barron’s freshman year at New York University’s Stern School of Business, acknowledging the unique challenges he faces as the son of a former and now returning president.

“I don’t think it’s possible for him to be a normal student,” she admitted. “His experience at college, it’s very different than any other kid, and I’m very proud [with] how he’s handling it. He’s very strong, and he knows that he’s in a different position than other children.”

Despite the challenges, Melania said, “He does like it.”

She also shared the life advice she has given to her 18-year-old son: “Make your dreams come true. This is your road. This is your life. And make sure that you listen to yourself, your likes and dislikes.”