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Michael Wolff claims Melania Trump turned the First Lady role into a personal cash machine

Biographer Michael Wolff alleges that Melania Trump earned millions from a vanity documentary, book sales and NFTs while rarely staying in the White House.

During a recent episode of the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, Michael Wolff argued that Melania Trump has transformed the first-lady position into a personal revenue stream, rarely residing in the White House during her husband’s second term. He referenced his Substack newsletter, Howl, which reported that she earned $17 million in the previous year, with the bulk coming from a Brett Ratner-directed documentary that generated $10 million, $6 million from a collection of NFTs, and $500,000 from her memoir.

Wolff characterized this as a historic break from the customary role of supporting domestic propriety and charitable causes. He also suggested that her lack of presence in the residence signals a disinterest in supporting her husband. The Daily Beast reached out to the White House for a response but has not yet received one.

Why it matters

The claim highlights potential conflicts of interest and profit motives tied to a high-profile political figure.

In this story

Melania TrumpMichael Wolfffirst ladyprofitdocumentaryNFTsautobiographyInside Trump’s HeadBrett Ratner
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