CNN reporter Kate Bennett published her much anticipated book, ‘Free Melania: The Unauthorized Biography’ on Tuesday last week. The author reveals that the First Lady is the real power behind the throne in the White House. Contrary to public perceptions, Melania’s power and hold over her husband is significant and it was on her promptings that Donald Trump decided to finally run for America’s top job.
Ms Bennett writes: “There’s a common misperception that Melania was against Trump’s running for president.
“That she didn’t want him to do it. Not true.
“She very much pushed him to run, in part because she did actually believe he would win and do a good job, but she was also tired, really tired, of listening to him talk about it.”
The CNN journalist goes further, claiming that Trump is desperate for her approval and dependent on her.
However, others dispute that the First Lady was keen on her husband becoming President.
In an interview with Vanity Fair in November 2017, a friend close to the Trumps said that Melania was on the contrary dead set against her husband entering the political fray.
The source said: “This isn’t something she wanted and it isn’t something he ever thought he’d win.
“She didn’t want this come hell or high water.
JUST IN: Melania Trump: The ‘powerful message’ behind FLOTUS’ White House Xmas
“She doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her.
“Whether people assume she is complicit in Trump’s beliefs and actions by being married to him and staying married to him or whether they think she is standing by his side because she is a noble adherent to traditional marriage — it doesn’t matter to her.”
She added that FLOTUS: “just does what she wants to do.
“As goes Trump and his rule-breaking presidency, so goes Melania and her rule-breaking first ladyship.”
The books findings have been disputed and dismissed by Melania’s spokeswoman.
Stephanie Graham described the book as being a betrayal and based mostly on testimony from people unacquainted with the President’s wife.
In an interview with People magazine, Ms Graham said: “Mrs Trump is surprised at Kate Bennett’s reporting.
“Our office worked with Kate in good faith on her book, and thought she would do an honest job.
“Sadly, it includes many false details and opinions, showing Ms Bennett spoke to many anonymous people who don’t know the First Lady.”