Melania Trump Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Visa History and Public Absence

Questions regarding Melania Trump's immigration status and her limited public appearances have resurfaced, drawing national attention and sparking political debate. The controversy intensified after Rep. Jasmine Crockett and other critics questioned the legitimacy of Melania's "Einstein Visa"—the EB-1 green card, typically reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability—arguing that her modeling career did not meet the high bar set for such visas, especially when compared to supermodels like Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks.

Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia, moved to New York in 1996 and later applied for the EB-1 visa in 2000. The visa was approved in 2001, and she became a U.S. citizen in 2006. Despite these milestones, details about her immigration status prior to obtaining her green card have remained unclear, fueling speculation about whether she maintained legal status throughout her early years in the United States. Reports have highlighted inconsistencies in her account, including questions about whether she worked as a model while on a tourist visa, which would have been unauthorized under U.S. immigration law. While Melania and her legal team have insisted she complied with all laws, no official documentation has been released to the public to clarify the timeline or dispel doubts.

The renewed scrutiny comes amid Melania Trump's noticeable absence from many public and political events since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. While she has occasionally appeared at select functions—such as a recent solo event supporting the TAKE IT DOWN Act—her overall public presence has been minimal. Insiders claim she remains "busy behind the scenes" and is "very selective and methodical" about her engagements, but her absence at major events, including meetings with foreign leaders and the Super Bowl, has not gone unnoticed.

Adding to the intrigue, Melania Trump has publicly affirmed her support for abortion rights, a position that contrasts with her husband’s policies and has drawn further attention to her independent views. Her evolving public profile and the ongoing debate over her immigration history continue to fuel speculation about her future role and influence as First Lady.