Melania Trump's decision to wait to live in the White House until June, when 10-year-old Barron finishes the school year in New York, is unprecedented for a first lady. But it could be more than that, according to a family friend: Her absence could indirectly affect new President Donald Trump's governance. At least over the short haul.
The long-time family friend, who asked not to be identified, told Sunshine State News late Monday Slovenian-born Melania is the voice of reason in the Trump family, and without her, Donald will be without his most reliable filter. She is his calm. In her absence, Donald will suffer "enormous stress," he said.
"Melania’s reserved personality and traditional values balance Donald’s assertive personality and controversial behavior," the friend said. "When Melania isn't around, Donald has an edge about him. And since they've been married, she just hasn't been away from him for months at a time. This is a first, and it adds a degree of difficulty to his first four or five months."
Trump confirmed Sunday the story that first appeared in the New York Post: Until Barron's school year ends, Melania and Barron will remain at Trump Tower in Manhattan and travel to Washington, D.C. when needed.
After Trump's meeting Sunday with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, he confirmed it to the media. A reporter asked him, “Do you plan to live in the White House eventually?”
Trump responded, “Yes, in the White House.”
The reporter asked, “And will Mrs. Trump and Barron live with you in the White House?"
Trump said, “Very soon. Right after he finishes school.”
"Melania is extremely close to Barron, and they have become closer during the campaign," a source close to the transition team told the Post.
According to the story, Melania regularly picks up her son at the end of the day at his $40,000-a-year private school on the Upper West Side.
Their residence at Trump Tower will likely mean continued heightened security around the building, which has been literally engulfed by police, well-wishers, protesters and security agents since Nov. 8.
By all accounts, the decision means Barron will have to be driven to school in an armored vehicle and a team of security agents will have to check the school is safe every morning.
"It wouldn't surprise me if Donald flew up to New York a couple times a week to grab a fleeting memory of normalcy and get a dose of Melania's calm," said the Trump friend. "I think people still don't get what a family man he is, in spite of his work schedule and his billions."
He said the American people are going to be "so pleasantly surprised by Melania Trump." Her life story is a vivid illustration of the American dream, he said. "Her humble roots, exceptional work ethic, and devotion to family make her an amazing role model."
Melania Trump has no experience in politics, but she does have a university degree in architecture and design, and in addition to her native Slovenian, she speaks four other languages: English, French, Serbian and German.
She has brought up Barron to also speak fluent Slovenian.
"When Donald says he's very proud of his wife, he means it," the family friend said. "The two complement each other. I don't expect him to be firing on all cylinders without Melania around."
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423. Twitter: @NancyLBSmith
