Melania Trump’s private warning appears to have swayed the president’s approach to Moscow after months of tense calls.
President Donald Trump disclosed on Monday that First Lady Melania Trump played a key role in persuading him to adopt a harder line against Russia amid increasing violence in Ukraine.
Trump recounted telling Mrs. Trump about his latest call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I go home, I tell the first lady, ‘You know, I spoke to Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.’ She said, ‘Oh, really? Another city was just hit,’” he said. Frustrated by repeated missile strikes following diplomatic talks, Trump announced a substantial policy shift: pledging “billions of dollars” in military support to Ukraine and threatening 100 percent tariffs on Russia if a cease‑fire isn’t agreed within 50 days.
Melania, originally from Slovenia, had not publicly commented on the conflict, though Slovenia has maintained a firm stance against Russia since the 2022 invasion. Her influence has been lauded by global Ukraine supporters. The couple was last seen together at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey.