During Trump’s first term, she was credited with raising awareness of vaping’s risks to young people—an issue she pressed partly out of concern for her son, but also for children nationwide.

Her influence also manifests in more subtle ways. At formal events, she has often guided her husband through sensitive moments, ensuring protocols are followed. That was visible again earlier this year during one of the most solemn global gatherings of 2025: the funeral of Pope Francis.

The funeral, held on April 26 in Rome, coincided with Melania’s 55th birthday. Yet she reportedly regarded it as an honor to attend, given her Catholic faith, which she observes privately. Melania, the first practicing Catholic First Lady since Jackie Kennedy, dressed in black with a traditional veil as she and her husband joined world leaders at St. Peter’s Square. Attendees included Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince