Melania Trump, wife of US President Donald Trump, has been named the least popular First Lady for the second time in her political history. According to polling results by the organization 'YouGov,' Melania's popularity has hit a new record low, not exceeding 36%. The results show that 43% of Americans view Melania negatively, with no admiration for her, while 18% expressed a neutral stance, confirming they have no clear opinion of her. When she left the White House in 2021, following her husband's first term, her approval rating was 42%, which at the time marked the lowest level of support for any First Lady in US history. Once again, Melania has surpassed her previous record for declining popularity, registering a more negative perception among the American public. This sharp decline is attributed to a combination of interrelated factors, most notably her association with her husband's controversial political image, her rare media appearances, and a series of controversies and disputes that accompanied her time in the White House during the previous period. Stepping Back from the Spotlight Melania's clear tendency to step back from the public eye is a primary reason that a large number of Americans have adopted a negative or neutral stance towards her. This behavior is unusual for an American First Lady, as it has been customary for them to play a prominent role in public life through media appearances and participation in humanitarian and charitable activities. Unlike many of her predecessors, Melania preferred to avoid public events and stay away from cameras whenever possible, which left a wide segment of the public uninformed about the nature of her duties, her personality, and her actual role. This contrast is particularly evident when comparing Melania's experience with that of her predecessors, who enjoyed broad popularity and significant public support, led by Michelle Obama, wife of former US President Barack Obama. During her time in the White House, Michelle Obama managed to establish an independent and influential image by launching leading initiatives in various fields, including education support, fighting childhood obesity, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Upon leaving the White House in January 2017, her public approval stood at around 68%, reflecting the extent of her acceptance by Americans. Criticism Throughout 2025, Melania's appearances alongside her husband, Donald Trump, were limited and selective, mostly confined to major official events with broad television coverage, such as the inauguration. Despite this, she continued to work on her own initiatives while moving between her homes in Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C. Melania has previously faced a series of controversies that directly contributed to her declining popularity. Among these issues were accusations of plagiarism, criticism of her aesthetic and decorative choices, the controversy surrounding her 'Be Best' initiative, and her attention-grabbing choices in the world of fashion. One of the most prominent media incidents that drew widespread criticism was her choice of clothing during a 2018 visit to a migrant children's detention center on the US-Mexico border. At the time, she wore a jacket with the phrase: 'I really don't care. Do U?' which sparked a wave of condemnation for being considered inappropriate for the sensitive humanitarian situation. After the criticism intensified, Melania clarified that the message was directed at 'the left-wing media that criticizes me.' Documentary Film 'Irish Star' For those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Melania Trump's role and responsibilities as First Lady, a new documentary film about her is set to be released. It will offer the American and global public a chance to look behind the scenes of her transition, family life, and her experience of returning to the role of First Lady. In a newsletter, Melania stated: 'A new chapter of history begins in the 20 days leading up to the US presidential inauguration. For the first time, the global public is invited to the movie theater to see this pivotal chapter, which presents a private and honest look at my exceptional journey to becoming the First Lady of the United States, where I balance my family responsibilities, my work, and my charitable projects.'
