Trump says Melania will be back on ‘nasty’ campaign trail ‘pretty soon’

Former first lady Melania Trump could pop up on the 2024 campaign trail “pretty soon,” according to former President Trump, the current GOP front-runner.

“When it’s appropriate, but pretty soon,” Trump told incoming “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker in an interview set to air this weekend. “Honestly, I like to keep her away from it — it’s so nasty and so mean.”

Melania Trump, 53, was notoriously private during her time in the White House and has been largely absent from campaign appearances, save for the 2024 campaign launch at their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., last year.

“She’s a private person — a great person, a very confident person, and she loves our country very much,” the former president said.

Trump’s family was front and center for his campaigns in 2016 and 2020, with his adult children, their spouses and Melania appearing on the campaign trail at various points. His daughter Ivanka has said she doesn’t plan to take part in the 2024 cycle.

“I love my father very much. This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family,” she told Fox News in November after her dad announced his reelection bid. “I do not plan to be involved in politics.”

Trump said his wife is currently focused on their teenage son Barron, who is in high school.

“She loves that boy,” he said.

Trump’s comments come as he is facing mounting legal woes relating to mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House and his alleged efforts to overturn to the 2020 election results. Melania has also been notably absent at his arraignments.

Still, Trump remains the clear front-runner in the race, according to national polling.