The Times: Zelenskyy’s surprising new ally in the White House

It has become known that the first lady, who was born in the former Yugoslavia, regularly reminds her husband of the victims of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.

On Monday, during a conversation in the Oval Office, Donald Trump said, "I go home, I tell the First Lady, 'You know, I spoke to Vladimir (Putin – ed.) today, we had a wonderful conversation.' She said, 'Oh, really? Another city was just hit.'"

Melania’s influence on Trump’s decisions

This admission indicates that 55-year-old Melania wields far greater political influence over her husband than previously believed. Recently, she has often been away from Washington — spending time at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and Trump Tower in New York alongside their son Barron, who studies at New York University.

In May, reports stated that since her husband’s inauguration, Melania had spent fewer than 14 days at the White House. Her interest in the war in Ukraine can be explained by her background — she was born behind the Iron Curtain in 1970 and has previously expressed respect for Ronald Reagan, the president who won the Cold War against barbaric regimes.

Personal stance on the war in Ukraine

Melania often speaks Slovenian with her son, and both she and Barron hold passports from EU countries. According to journalist and biographer Mary Jordan, Melania’s sympathies toward Ukraine are not surprising, as she grew up in the former Yugoslavia, where Russia was never popular.

Jordan also added, that she has more experience than many cabinet members when it comes to making her position known. Melania's father, Viktor Knavs, 81, continues to travel to Slovenia, keeping her informed about political sentiments in Europe.

"Her homeland fully supports Ukraine, and people there are shocked that the US might stop supplying weapons," Jordan says.

Previously expressed position

Melania has publicly expressed disapproval of Russian aggression. In February 2022, when Putin began the invasion, Donald Trump called him smart and a genius. But that same month, Melania described the killings of civilians as horrific and tragic.

In a post on her social media page, she urged her two million followers to donate to the Red Cross and wrote that her "thoughts and prayers" are "with the Ukrainian people."

A key voice in Trump’s circle

Before returning to the White House, Melania spent two months studying the international agenda to prepare for receiving foreign delegations. Despite having many advisors on security and foreign policy, it may be the first lady’s voice that proves decisive.

"Trump listens to certain people on certain things," Jordan says. "He particularly listens to people who are really close to him. And especially if their last name is Trump."

Melania Trump was born in Novo Mesto, then part of Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). She had a successful modeling career in the past. Melania became a US citizen in 2006. They married in January 2005, and this is Donald Trump's third marriage.