Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former senior advisor to Melania Trump, has recently expressed strong claims about the marriage of Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Wolkoff’s assertions, based on her past close relationship with the former First Lady, depict a partnership that was more transactional than romantic.
Wolkoff’s claims, which were published on X on Sunday, June 16, originate from an archived video from the sixth season premiere of “The Apprentice.” This show featured Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and their son Barron. In the footage, Melania is shown as a caring mother, with Trump appearing as a devoted father. Wolkoff proposes that this representation was deliberately constructed to convey a specific public image, one that concealed the true dynamics of their relationship.
Wolkoff alleges that Donald Trump required a partner who would allow him to be in the spotlight, and their marriage provided validation for both of them. Melania realized her ambition of appearing on the cover of Vogue, while Donald was able to abandon his playboy persona and emerge as a more respected figure in the public domain. This claim is supported by Ramin Setoodeh’s book, “Apprentice in Wonderland,” which explores Trump’s tenure as a reality TV star. The book cites a confession from Trump himself, recognizing that his journey to the White House would have been impossible without “The Apprentice.”
The scope of Wolkoff’s claims goes beyond the Trumps’ marriage, as she also emphasizes the critical role “The Apprentice” played in their ascent to the White House. She utilized social media to articulate her view that the series, produced by Survivor creator Mark Burnett and NBC executive Jeff Zucker, was fundamental in molding the image of Donald Trump as a prosperous businessman and Melania as his glamorous wife. Wolkoff proposes that this meticulously curated illusion was a pivotal component in their political ascendancy.
The response to Wolkoff’s assertions on social media has been diverse yet significant. Some individuals have echoed her views, suggesting that without “The Apprentice,” Donald Trump would have remained largely unknown to most of the country. Others have highlighted that the program helped to camouflage Trump’s financial difficulties and alleged illicit activities, presenting an image of success to the public.
Wolkoff’s critique also touches on Melania’s absence from Donald Trump’s recent hush money trial. Despite defense from Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, that Melania’s absence should not be misconstrued as a lack of affection and support, Wolkoff firmly disagrees. She contends that genuine love and support entail standing by someone unconditionally, regardless of external opinions or impressions. In Wolkoff’s opinion, Melania’s choice to avoid the trial due to appearance concerns signifies a lack of sincere caring.
Her absence has further stoked speculation about the authenticity of the Trumps’ marriage. Wolkoff has been outspoken in her belief that their relationship was essentially transactional, with both parties reaping considerable advantages from the union. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, she expanded on this notion, suggesting that Melania fulfilled her longstanding dream of becoming a Vogue cover model, while Trump gained a more respectable public persona. “I think people have to remember who Melania really is,” Wolkoff shared with Tapper while discussing Donald Trump’s ongoing hush money trial in New York.
Wolkoff’s comments have reignited conversations about the authenticity of high-profile relationships and the influence of media depictions on public opinion. The archived video from “The Apprentice” and Wolkoff’s commentary provide insight into the intricacies of the Trump marriage, suggesting that the public portrayal may have been carefully orchestrated for maximum impact.
Wolkoff, who authored a revealing book titled “Melania and Me” in 2020, has continued to criticize the Trump family following her fallout with the former First Lady. Their relationship deteriorated after it was revealed that Wolkoff’s event planning company received $26 million to coordinate Trump’s inauguration, with $1.62 million reportedly retained by Wolkoff’s firm.
