Melania Trump Skips First Presidential Debate While Jill Biden Remains A Supportive Wife
Melania Trump was a no-show, while Jill Biden was in attendance at the first presidential debate between their respective husbands, Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
CNN reported that Melania did not travel with the former president to Atlanta for Thursday night's debate. The former first lady's absence was also confirmed by ABC News.
Trump has not personally addressed his wife breaking a long-standing tradition by skipping the presidential debate.
But Trump's 2024 campaign account responded with mockery to a CNN reporter who posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the GOP presidential candidate was not joined by Melania as he exited his plane at the Atlanta airport ahead of the debate.
"CNN reporter arrives in Atlanta for the debate and is not accompanied by a spouse or partner. SAD!" the Trump campaign replied.
CNN reporter arrives in Atlanta for the debate and is not accompanied by a spouse or partner. SAD! https://t.co/cquqrAcvhJ
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 27, 2024
While her predecessor was nowhere to be found, Jill accompanied President Biden to the debate in Atlanta.
The first lady was seen giving her husband a kiss and hug on stage after the event, the Daily Mail reported.
Jill then reportedly led Biden off the stage.
During the debate, Biden slammed Trump over his alleged affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The president accused his Republican rival of having the "morals of an alley cat" and "having sex with a porn star" while his "wife was pregnant."
Trump fired back by saying he "never had sex with a porn star."
Trump's alleged affair with Daniels was at the center of his recent criminal hush-money trial, which ended with the ex-POTUS being found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Melania did not attend a single day of his New York City trial.
The former model has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the Trumps left the White House in 2021 and has skipped most events related to her husband's 2024 campaign.
In March, Melania made a rare public appearance when she cast her ballot in the Florida presidential primary alongside Trump.
At the time, she seemingly teased a return to the campaign trail, telling reporters to "stay tuned."
It remains unclear if Melania will join Trump when he faces off against Biden in their final scheduled presidential debate on Sept. 10.
