Yesterday, we watched (or, if you’re me, tried to completely avoid any images of) Donald Trump being inaugurated as the President of the United States (again). While that itself is something we all need a giant healing circle for, something else interesting happened.
Kim Kardashian posted a photo of Melania Trump’s inauguration outfit on her story with no context or caption, but it spoke volumes regardless. I’m not surprised at all by this. Kim is a rich and famous white woman who has built an entire career on the pure strength of Blackfishing and cultural appropriation. Her being a lowkey (but actually highkey) Trump supporter doesn’t shock or surprise me. But what does catch me a little off-guard is how many people, like Kim, have been posting pictures and videos of Melania, calling her a “diva” — especially people who are anti-Trump.
As we step into the frightening dystopia that will be the next four years of our lives, it’s the perfect time to address the internet’s weird obsession with painting Melania as either a misunderstood “diva” or a silent victim trapped in the Trump circus. Spoiler alert: She’s neither.
Social media loves to hyperfixate on Melania’s (admittedly hilarious) side-eyes, hand slaps, and refusal to kiss her husband in public. Sure, she might not like him, but let’s not confuse bad vibes with moral opposition. Melania has stood by Trump through thick, thin, and very questionable spray tans, endorsing him with her presence and more. Lest we forget, she’s also made her own eyebrow-raising comments, like questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election and standing by Trump’s “birther” conspiracy against Barack Obama. On top of that, she and Amazon teamed up to make a documentary about her using an absolutely ridiculous $40 million budget and she’s currently profiting off of a new cryptocurrency she launched. So, no, she’s not a hostage. She’s a co-pilot.
During the inauguration alone, my entire X timeline was filled with people jokingly calling Melania “mimi” and posting about how she wore her inauguration Michael-Jackson-esque hat because it made it impossible for Trump to kiss her in it. Other people were reposting her outfit, talking about how she “slayed” or how it’s undeniable that she’s a “bad bitch.” Well, here I am to deny it!
I don’t care how many goofy ass hats you wear or what sellout designer decides to dress you in a tailored suit — being married to, having a child with, and serving as the First Lady to Donald Trump makes you anything but a bad bitch. Being tied to a man who not only perpetuates hate for but also pushes literal laws against women, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, Muslims, and basically any other minority to exist makes you just as bad. And I don’t care how uncomfortable you look holding hands with him — you chose to do so.
It’s time we stop showing Melania sympathy for being a victim when she’s far from it. She’s actively choosing to be the First Lady to a president who is attempting to dismantle birthright citizenship, bulldoze reproductive rights, and set this nation back centuries in terms of health innovations. And if a few awkward kisses and sleek outfits are enough for you to think otherwise — it may be time to look inward and realize that you’re part of the problem.
