Donald Trump Calls Melania 'First Lady' Even in Bedroom — Critics Cringe
President Donald J. Trump arrives at the Liberty Ball while the U.S. Air Force Band plays "Hail to the Chief" at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2017. Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Ashley Marble. Public domain.
President Donald Trump reportedly refers to Melania as "First Lady," even in private moments, including the bedroom.
The bizarre confession came during a "Salute to America" speech in Iowa, where the president remarked that he calls his wife by her formal title in private moments because, as he put it, "it reminds me that I'm president," according to the Daily Beast. Cue the collective cringe. As Trump soaked in applause and admiration, Melania was in Washington, charming sick kids and complimenting Taylor Swift.
A Rambling Speech and an Awkward Overshare
The setting was a patriotic event marking the start of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. President Trump's speech was a whirlwind tour through topics reportedly ranging from ethanol subsidies to UFC fights, but it was his off-script moment about Melania that stole the spotlight.
Recalling a conversation with his wife about the challenges facing the U.S. military, Trump paused and admitted, "I call her 'First Lady,' isn't it terrible?" according to The Independent. He explained that even when saying good night to Melania, he uses the formal title saying, "I'm saying 'Good night, First Lady, my darling,' because it reminds me that I'm president, that's why."
The moment was met with widespread cringing and mockery online. Critics pointed out the bizarre narcissism of using a formal title in private, suggesting it reveals a man obsessed with his own status. One social media user joked that Melania "needs to live in the White House to be called the First Lady," as reported by The Inquisitr.com.
The Shadow of Vietnam Draft Controversy
Trump's awkwardly patriotic nickname revelation at the event was made all the more ironic by his well-documented history of allegedly avoiding military service during the Vietnam War. He famously claimed to have bone spurs, a medical condition that exempted him from the draft. However, his former lawyer Michael Cohen testified before Congress and claimed that Trump admitted to faking the injury, reportedly telling Cohen, "You think I'm stupid? I wasn't going to Vietnam," as reported by The Daily Beast.
The irony lies in the contrast between Trump’s embrace of symbolic patriotism and his personal history. Calling Melania “First Lady” to reinforce his presidential status perhaps highlights a fixation on titles and image. This stands in contrast to his Vietnam deferment — a point of public scrutiny. Critics argue the nickname underscores a broader pattern: projecting patriotic identity through symbolism while distancing from the sacrifices it often represents.
Melania's Contrasting Public Role
While Trump was in Iowa, Melania was far from the spotlight, engaging in a markedly different kind of public service. She visited the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she met with young patients. According to the Daily Beast, the First Lady spoke warmly with the children about their plans for Independence Day and told them, "So we will have a big party at the White House... When you feel better, maybe next year, you come over and we'll celebrate together."
During her visit, Melania also bonded with the children over their shared admiration for pop stars. When a child praised Taylor Swift, Melania agreed that the singer was "very talented," according to the Daily Beast — a notable departure from her husband's recent public disdain for Swift. Trump posted on social media earlier this year that he "hated" Taylor Swift and questioned her popularity since his criticism, according to The Independent.
Elite Cluelessness on Parade
This episode offers a revealing glimpse into the dynamics of the Trump White House. The president's bizarre choice to publicly proclaim he calls his wife "First Lady" in private moments perhaps underscores a preoccupation with status and symbolism that borders on the absurd.
Observers have long speculated about the state of the Trumps' marriage, with some biographers suggesting the couple leads largely separate lives. Michael Wolff, a well-known Trump biographer, claimed earlier this year that Donald and Melania "clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage" and "live separate lives," as reported by The Independent.
What This Means for the Public Image
President Trump's recent remarks offer another glimpse into how he views his role — one where titles and appearances still carry significant personal weight. His comment about calling Melania "First Lady" in private moments perhaps underscores a continuing desire to project presidential authority.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump's public appearance at a children's hospital presents a different tone: understated, empathetic, and more traditional in its messaging. Whether by design or coincidence, the contrast between their public personas remains striking.
In the realm of politics and public image, perception often shapes reality. And in this moment, some argue it's the First Lady — not the President — who's drawing attention for how she carries the title.
References: Donald Trump Reveals the Cringe Nickname He Calls Melania | Trump reveals his pet name for Melania: 'Isn't it terrible?' | The Independent | Donald Trump's Bizarre Nickname for Melania Leaves Netizens Cringing at the Narcissism
