In a recent video promoting her forthcoming memoir, former First Lady Melania Trump has addressed her past nude modeling work, framing it as a form of artistic self-expression. The 54-year-old Slovenian-born former model shared the video on social media on September 18, 2024, sparking discussions about body positivity and artistic freedom.
Melania Trump posed a rhetorical question in the video's voiceover: "Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modeling work?" She then redirected the focus to media scrutiny, asking, "Are we no longer able to appreciate the beauty of the human body?" The video featured images of renowned Renaissance artworks, including Michelangelo's David and Paul Cézanne's Bathers, drawing parallels between classical art and her own modeling career.
The former First Lady's modeling career, which began at age 16, included several nude photoshoots in the 1990s and 2000s. Notably, she appeared nude on the cover of GQ magazine in 2000, ten years before her husband's successful presidential campaign. These images resurfaced during the 2016 election, attracting significant media attention.
In her video statement, Melania Trump emphasized the historical context of nude art: "Throughout history, master artists have revered the human shape, evoking profound emotions and admiration." She advocated for honoring bodies and embracing art as a means of self-expression.
Melania Trump's recent increased public presence coincides with the upcoming release of her memoir, titled "Melania," scheduled for publication on October 1, 2024. This book and accompanying promotional activities mark a departure from her typically private stance since leaving the White House.
The former model's life journey is remarkable. Born in Slovenia in 1970, she became a successful fashion model before meeting Donald Trump in Manhattan in 1998. They married in 2005, and she became the second foreign-born First Lady in U.S. history when her husband won the presidency in 2016.
"We should honour our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression."
Melania Trump's multilingual abilities, speaking six languages including Slovenian and French, reflect her international background. Her role as First Lady included launching the "Be Best" initiative, focusing on children's well-being and online safety. Despite her public role, she has maintained a level of privacy, especially regarding political matters.
As the release date of her memoir approaches, Melania Trump appears to be addressing various aspects of her life, including her modeling career and her time in the White House. This recent video serves not only as promotion for her book but also as a statement on body positivity and artistic freedom in the face of media scrutiny.