Why Andy Cohen Never Asked Melania Trump To Be On RHONY

Bravo fans are never shy about asking Andy Cohen to make casting changes or bring certain people onto a "Real Housewives" show. There are many people involved in the casting process, from people at the respective production companies that actually film the show, to execs like Cohen at Bravo. But Cohen is surely the most visible of them all and many consider him to be the wizard of the Bravoverse and someone who knows everything, even before it happens on TV. They aren't entirely wrong. In 2014, Cohen revealed to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Nene Leakes that he does have a heavy hand in the casting process.

Per Screen Rant, this means combing his own group of friends for new stars, asking current Bravolebrities for interesting friends to bring onto the show, or making the tough call to cut a housewife in the name of refreshing a franchise that has seen better days. A lot of people have a lot of opinions about the casting process, as former cast members  have accused the show of only wanting people who are "trainwrecks" with a boatload of cash, casting people who have no other option career wise, or only wanting people who are already friends with members of a current cast, per Page Six.

Every city is different, but given Melania Trump's socialite status in Manhattan prior to becoming first lady, it's only fair to wonder if she was ever considered for a spot on "The Real Housewives of New York." It turns out that the answer is complicated.

Before becoming a household name thanks to her husband, former president Donald Trump, Melania Trump was a force to be reckoned with in New York City's social scene. By all standards, she likely fits most of the requirements to be on the show: She had money, a lavish lifestyle, a successful husband, and likely knew at least one or two of the current cast members. "The Real Housewives of New York City" star Sonja Morgan often name-drops the Trumps as former acquaintances, per the Daily Beast, for example. So, she could have theoretically fit right in. 

But in 2018, Andy Cohen revealed that he never even considered her, and it had nothing to do with political involvement. "I don't know if she has a strong enough personality for the show," he told The Hollywood Reporter. Whether this was something he considered before the 2016 election cycle or after is unclear, but it's definitely a sign that the rumors about Cohen are true: He's very picky about who he wants on the show.

Back in 2014, Andy Cohen told Nene Leakes on an episode of "Watch What Happens Live" that there are certain things he and his team look for when casting someone for a "Real Housewives" franchise. "Someone who is willing to be open, live their life fully in front of the cameras. Someone with a point of view, someone hopefully who has got a sense of humor or at least is funny or humorous or different in some way. And someone who will fit in with the group, hopefully, someone who knows people in the group and has a natural connection to the group," he said.

This doesn't sound like what the public knows about Melania Trump. Mary Jordan, who wrote a biography about the first lady, told The Guardian, "No one has seen Melania cry about anything. [She and Donald Trump are] both very, very hyper aware of image and appearance. Neither of them, but especially Melania, shows emotion in public. She's not one to show her anger or her temper or yell." For a show that depends on its stars showing off their homes and families, being willing to fight in the middle of a crowded restaurant, or shed a crocodile tear in their one-on-one interviews, this does not sound like the right fit for Melania.

Judging by his opinion of Melania, it's clear that Cohen really does know all about the magic it takes to make a good TV show.