So Who Is The Real Melania?
YOU South Africa|2 July 2020
America’s first lady is revealed to be a whip-smart operator in an explosive new book that lifts the lid on the Trump marriage
Sandy Cook
So Who Is The Real Melania?

For years she’s been considered the silent, long-suffering sidekick to her in-your-face, over-the-top husband. But there’s a lot more going on behind the sphinx-like façade than many know, a new book reveals.

In The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story Of Melania Trump, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalist Mary Jordan paints a very different picture of the woman who’s inspired #FreeMelania memes – and the first lady clearly has more steel in her spine than she shows.

In the book, of which the title is a nod to US president Donald Trump’s own book The Art Of The Deal, America’s first lady is a force to be reckoned with: a protective mother, a formidable spouse, a proud woman who used the humiliation of her husband’s infidelities to leverage financial gain and someone whose views the president respects.

Jordan also gives intimate glimpses into the Trumps’ world. She interviewed more than 100 people for the book, which the White House has dismissed as fiction.

But Melania herself spoke to the author – and the insights from insiders are as telling as the fact that the first lady spoke at all.

THE ‘PRINCESS’ AND THE ‘PORTRAIT’

They’re the two most powerful women in the White House. On the one side is Trump’s third wife, Melania (50), mother of his youngest son, Barron (14), and on the other, daughter Ivanka (38), undoubtedly the favourite of his five kids.

This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
YOU South Africa

HE'S GOT THE LOOK!

His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
ROYALS AT WORK
YOU South Africa

ROYALS AT WORK

Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR

The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE

After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
YOU South Africa

IRON LUNG, IRON WILL

HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
YOU South Africa

WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?

A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
YOU South Africa

HE HIJACKED MY LIFE

Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.

time-read
10+ mins  |
28 March 2024
5 MINUTE FIXES
YOU South Africa

5 MINUTE FIXES

Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
THE JOY OF SELENA
YOU South Africa

THE JOY OF SELENA

After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
YOU South Africa

TAKE THAT CROCODILE!

When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024