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Behind the Scenes: Melania’s Role in Trump’s Tougher Stance on Russia
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
In a surprising twist in White House dynamics, First Lady Melania Trump is emerging as a behind-the-scenes influencer on one of President Donald Trump’s most consequential foreign policy decisions: the delivery of Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, according to The Times on July 15.
Melania—who was born in 1970 in the former Yugoslavia—may have helped persuade her husband to act against Russian aggression by reminding him of the devastating impact of airstrikes on Ukrainian civilians.
Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base on July 15, Trump remarked: “Melania is very smart, neutral, and, like me, she just wants people to stop dying.”
Earlier in the week, during a conversation in the Oval Office, the president offered a telling anecdote: “I go home, I tell the First Lady, ‘I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation.’ And she says, ‘Oh really? Another city was just hit.’”
According to The Times, while Trump has previously lavished praise on Vladimir Putin—calling him “savvy” and a “genius” at the start of the full-scale invasion—Melania’s public statements paint a different picture.
In February 2022, she described the killing of civilians as “heartbreaking” and “horrific,” urged her followers to donate to the Red Cross, and expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
A voice from the Iron Curtain
Melania’s sympathies may stem from her own experience growing up behind the Iron Curtain. Her admiration for Ronald Reagan, whom she credits for ending the Cold War, further highlights her ideological distance from Moscow.
According to The Art of Her Deal author Mary Jordan, Melania’s upbringing in a region historically wary of Russian domination gives her a unique perspective and conviction.
“It’s not surprising at all, given she grew up in the former Yugoslavia, a country with no love for Russia,” Jordan told The Times. “She has more experience than other people in the cabinet trying to get her point across.”
The Times wrote that Melania and her teenage son Barron, now a freshman at NYU, continue to speak Slovene at home and hold EU passports. Her father, Viktor Knavs, 81, still travels regularly to Slovenia, keeping the family closely connected to European affairs.
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Jordan added: “Her home country is all in for Ukraine, and people over there are appalled that the United States would suddenly stop arming Ukraine.”
Patriots on the way—and tariffs too
On July 15, Trump confirmed that Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine are underway. He emphasized that the missiles are being sent from Germany and that the US is being reimbursed in full. “In all cases, the United States is paid 100 percent,” Trump said, adding that NATO and the EU were covering the costs.
Trump also warned that Russia could face 100% tariffs if it continues its aggression, signaling a hardening stance that sharply contrasts with his earlier rhetoric.
While Trump still relies on national security advisers and foreign policy briefings, Melania’s influence appears to cut deeper than official recommendations. “Trump listens to certain people on certain things,” said Jordan. “He particularly listens to people who are really close to him. And especially if their last name is Trump.”
Earlier, reports emerged that Trump’s main priority in Russia’s war against Ukraine remains a diplomatic resolution.
According to the US Department of State, Rubio emphasized that Trump’s focus continues to be on bringing an end to the war through negotiations.
Trump’s stance on diplomacy was reinforced when he discussed the matter publicly in June, recognizing that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is seemingly indifferent to the massive losses Russia has suffered during the war.
“I’m disappointed in him [Putin], but I’m not finished with him. But I’m disappointed in him,” Trump told reporters when asked about his trust in the Russian leader.
