Melania Trump's Actions After Landing In Florida Is Turning Heads

On Jan. 20, 2021, before Joe Biden's inauguration, Donald Trump and Melania Trump left the White House to begin their post-presidency life in Florida. According to the Chicago Tribune, the pair landed at Palm Beach International Airport "more than an hour before Biden was to be sworn in as the 46th U.S. president." 

The outgoing president will be remembered, at least partially, for the norms he challenged or ignored throughout his time in office, and that didn't change on his final day either. Trump refused to attend Biden's inauguration or participate in most of the centuries-old traditions meant to ensure a peaceful transition of power; for example, he and Melania did not invite the Bidens to the White House, like so many presidents and first ladies have done before them. 

It turns out Trump's inauguration snub towards Biden isn't the only thing people are talking about, as Melania was once again caught snubbing her husband on camera. Keep scrolling to find out what the former first lady did the moment her and Trump's presidential duties ended.

In her final public appearance as first lady of the United States, Melania Trump did something she'd become known for during Donald Trump's presidency: she showcased a seemingly blatant disdain towards her husband. After the couple arrived in Florida on Jan. 20, 2021, Melania was caught walking away from her husband as soon as they got off Air Force One. Instead of stopping to wave at supporters and pose for photos like Donald did, she immediately walked to the car, per Hollywood Life. 

A clip of Melania ditching Trump was shared on social media, with Twitter users saying she's officially checked out. One commentator, Josh Marshall, wrote, "I love that many people still see Melania's moments of casual contempt for Trump as signs she too knows Trump is evil," while another added, "Melania is totally done. She already quit posing."

In fact, her actions also have people wondering whether the pair will separate now that Trump's presidency is over. 

In November 2020, the Daily Mail reported ex-aide Omarosa Manigault Newman said Melania Trump "is counting every minute until he is out of office and she can divorce." Newman said she would have liked to divorce Donald sooner but she was worried about the repercussions. "If Melania were to try to pull the ultimate humiliation and leave while he's in office, he would find a way to punish her," she explained. Stephanie Wolkoff, another former aide, said the couple had separate bedrooms in the White House, alleging the pair's relationship was a "transactional marriage" and that Melania "never expected" Donald to win in 2016.

Based on Melania's conduct, Twitter seems to think a separation is inevitable and that she will likely not waste any time getting the divorce paperwork started. "She's looking forward to signing those divorce papers asap," tweeted one person. Another wrote, "I'm going to predict divorce papers are filed in the first 90 days as civilians." A third added, "She's in a hurry. Got a meeting with the divorce lawyer in 10." 

It's unclear what the future holds for the Trumps or their marriage, but for now, they plan to live at the former president's Mar-a-Lago estate, as per the New York Post.

Melania Trump made a brief speech before boarding Air Force One on Jan. 20, 2021 after Donald Trump asked her to "say a few words." According to USA Today, she said: "Being your first lady was my greatest honor. Thank you for your love and support. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all, God bless your families and God bless this beautiful nation. Thank you." 

However, many argue that Melania never wanted the role — and her behavior over the years is proof. The New York Times even said Melania will be remembered as "the first lady who arrived at the White House late and checked out early."

There are reports that she did not write her own thank-you notes to the White House staff, including the cooks, housekeepers, and butlers who cared for the Trumps throughout their time in office. Melania reportedly went against tradition by signing messages that a "lower-level" East Wing staffer wrote "in her voice," according to CNN. Sources also described the first lady as being "checked out" in recent weeks, adding that she didn't seem sad to be leaving Washington.