Melania Trump’s Growing Influence Becomes the Talk of Washington

Although Melania has not flooded the public calendar with events—CNN reported she had logged just 19 official engagements by late August compared to 40 during the same period of her first term—her impact behind the scenes appears to be substantial.

That influence was on display in a surprising way during Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska. While her husband handled the formal talks, Melania delivered a personal letter directly to Putin. The letter, described as a “peace message,” urged him to consider the children affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter,” she wrote. “In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone—you serve humanity itself.”

Her appeal was deeply personal and humanitarian in tone, setting it apart from the sharper language of traditional diplomacy. Donald Trump later shared the letter publicly, and it was widely praised for its compassion.

Behind the Scenes: A Trusted Adviser

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