Melania Trump missing in 'separation' as Donald arrives in UK
Donald Trump arrived in Scotland as part of a five-day tour of golf courses in the country, although First Lady Melania appears not to have joined him.
The US President touched down in Prestwick Airport last night and spoke with UK officials and reporters before he set of for his golf resort in Turnberry, in South Ayrshire, where he is expected to play a few rounds. Mr Trump is expected to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday months after the pair agreed a trade arrangement over certain goods.
"I'm in Scotland now," Mr Trump said today on TruthSocial. "Many meetings planned." But it appears Melania Trump has decided to avoid the trip to Scotland.
Melania's absence means she will avoid planned protests across Scotland amid Mr Trump's visit. Thousands of protesters are expected in Edinburgh and Aberdeen from around 12pm today.
Melania's absence comes amid speculation she and Mr Trump have essentially "separated" following reports she has only been at the White House for two weeks following his inauguration in January.
Journalist Michael Wolff, who has written several books about Mr Trump, previously told The Daily Beast Podcast. "They clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage," he said.
He continued: "And I think maybe we can more specifically say they live separate lives. They are separated. The President of the United States and the First Lady are separated."
Russia mocked the apparent marriage problems with Russia 1 TV personality Malek Dudakov sating: "In my opinion Trump has certain marital problems. Melania spends most of her time not at the White House, but in New York, along with her son, who recently enrolled in a University. She doesn't even live with Trump."
He then pointed to the president's plunging poll numbers, adding: "Trump's ratings have certainly fallen. The latest YouGov polls show only 40 per cent. He has to somehow climb out of this hole. We will see whether or not Donald Trump's able to do it."
The comment comes amid speculation Melania somehow influenced her husband to grant more aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. Following a conversation between Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, she notified him about a Moscow-ordered strike on Ukraine.
While it is unclear whether Melania has any major engagements while her husband is away in Europe, she has been at the heart of peculiar changes in the US. Republicans are mounting efforts to rename the Kennedy Center's Opera House in her honour.
The House Appropriations Committee said it is considering an amendment that would result in the theatre to be renamed as the "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House." Idaho Republican Representative said: "This is an excellent way to recognize [Melania Trump's] support and commitment to promoting the arts, and I would encourage members to vote for this Republican en bloc amendment." Meanwhile, Democrats told the Washington Post the move was "divisive."
Melania is also overseeing the transformation of the iconic White House Rose Garden, a key piece of Americana that has been beamed into households across the world whenever major leaders visit Washington DC. The once lush lawn, complete with rose bushes, has now been concreted over with the White House announcing the "restoration" efforts expected to be completed by mid-August.
Officials have defended the move by claiming the changes will enhance guest experiences. But there have been mixed reactions to the change.
But Melania is due to travel to the UK with her husband for a historic second official state visit from September 17 and 19. The couple will be hosted by King Charles during their visit to Windsor Castle.
The Trumps previously arrived in the UK for a state visit and were hosted by Queen Elizabeth in 2019. The visit will come as much-wanted respite for the president who has seen his approval ratings plunge in recent weeks amid ongoing speculation about late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
During Mr Trump's successful campaign for a second term, himself and members of his administration said they would release files connected to investigations into Epstein. But Mr Trump has appeared reluctant to release many of the files to the US public, sparking speculation - without evidence - that the US President was somehow more closely aligned with Epstein than previously known.
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