Melania Trump’s new book, Melania, has sparked controversy, not for its revelations, but for the blistering critique it received from *New York Times* critic Alexandra Jacobs. In her sharp review, Jacobs doesn’t hold back, calling out the book for what she describes as a “whitewash” of both the Trump presidency and Melania’s marriage.
Melania Trump’s memoir, “though clad in a black cover — a choice that could symbolize mourning, sophistication or more likely abject nothingness — is a brazen whitewash of a presidency and a marriage of some tumult,” our book critic writes. https://t.co/Uqf4nqCA4P
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 5, 2024
Jacobs begins by pointing to the book’s black cover, which she suggests could symbolize anything from sophistication to emptiness. The critic then dives into the substance—or lack thereof—found in the 182-page memoir. According to Jacobs, much of the book is padded with photos, including an old ad Melania did for Camel cigarettes. The text itself, she notes, is filled with recycled quotes from speeches Melania delivered during her time as First Lady, alongside snippets of Trump’s speeches.
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Jacobs’ most stinging observation, however, comes when she compares the memoir to a mere souvenir: “Is this a book or a souvenir tea towel?” she quips, referencing the fact that even paragraph breaks are marked with a stark, oversized “M,” as if asserting her independence from Donald Trump.
The timing of the book’s release, just weeks before a critical election, raises eyebrows for Jacobs, who suggests that Melania’s support for abortion rights—an unexpected revelation—is either a bid for independence or a strategic attempt to soften Trump’s unpopular stance on the issue. Jacobs further notes that Melania’s tepid discussion of transgender women in sports and her refusal to concede that Joe Biden won the 2020 election reveal her loyalty to Trump’s base, even as she tries to carve out a space for herself.
The review also highlights Melania’s distant and impersonal portrayal of her childhood in Slovenia, leaving out details that might have provided insight into her life before fame. Jacobs argues that the book serves more as a résumé than a true memoir, noting the absence of any mention of Donald Trump’s infamous scandals, such as the Stormy Daniels affair or the “Access Hollywood” tape. She is especially critical of the fact that George Floyd’s name never appears in a section discussing Black Lives Matter.
The review concludes by emphasizing Melania’s disdain for the media, which she blames for damaging her family’s reputation, and mocks her initiatives like “Be Best.” For all the controversy the book might have intended to stir, Jacobs suggests it ultimately falls flat, delivering few surprises and leaving readers questioning its purpose.
In short, Jacobs’ scathing review paints Melania’s memoir as little more than a polished PR effort, lacking in substance and introspection. It’s clear that *Melania* won’t be winning over critics anytime soon.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
