Melania Trump’s anticipated memoir, "Melania," has ignited a storm of criticism even before its fall 2024 release. The former First Lady's book, now available for preorder on her website with prices ranging from $40 to $150, is already facing backlash on social media, with many accusing her of using the memoir as a financial venture.
Rumors about Melania writing a memoir have circulated since late 2020, following the publication of "Melania and Me" by her former advisor, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. That tell-all book delved into the complexities of their relationship and Melania’s time in the White House, reportedly prompting Melania to take control of her narrative through her publication, The List reported.
The predominant criticism on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), revolves around the notion that Melania's memoir is a blatant cash grab. Users have questioned the book's value and authenticity, with comments like “Does she expect anyone to buy and read it? Grift from a grifter,” and “Plagiarized Grifting,” highlighting the skepticism surrounding the memoir’s intentions.
Melania's office has described the book as "a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has carved her own path, overcome adversity, and defined personal excellence." However, this narrative has been met with cynicism, with some users sarcastically suggesting that it should be titled “An inspiring story about a woman who hates her husband and wants to spend as little time with him as possible,” alluding to her frequent absences during Donald Trump's campaign activities.
The upcoming memoir also draws unfavorable comparisons to Michelle Obama's highly acclaimed "Becoming." Critics on social media have joked about the possibility of Melania’s book being titled “Becoming Melania Trump,” referencing past accusations of plagiarism. During the 2016 Republican National Convention, Melania's speech was noted for containing phrases strikingly similar to a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama. Although Melania claimed to have authored her remarks, her staff member Meredith McIver later admitted to the oversight, explaining that Melania had read her passages from Michelle's speech as examples.
Speculation persists about whether Melania wrote the memoir herself or enlisted a ghostwriter, a common practice among public figures. Michelle Obama, for instance, acknowledged the contributions of writers Sara Corbett and Tyler Lechtenberg in her memoir.
The controversy surrounding Melania's memoir will likely intensify as the release date approaches. The former First Lady's attempt to share her story is met with skepticism and anticipation, reflecting the polarized views of her tenure in the White House and her ongoing public image.
With the political climate remaining highly charged, Melania Trump’s memoir will undoubtedly be scrutinized for its content and broader implications within the context of her and her husband’s legacy. Whether "Melania" will resonate as a sincere narrative or be dismissed as another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Trump family’s contentious relationship with the public remains.