Melania Trump, the former First Lady, has publicly defended her past nude modeling work in a new promotional video for her upcoming memoir.
The Daily Mail reported that in the video, she likened her work to that of renowned master artists, comparing her nude photos to famous art pieces. This is part of an ongoing campaign leading up to the release of her memoir titled Melania.
Melania Trump drew parallels between her modeling and artistic traditions, as her video focuses on the beauty of the human form and its historical celebration in art.
The video, which runs for 45 seconds, showcases Melania Trump discussing her views on the scrutiny her nude modeling has faced. The photos in question were initially published in British GQ in 2000, when she was still a model known as Melania Knauss.
She claims the criticism is misplaced, as the human form has long been admired by artists such as Michelangelo.
Her memoir, set to release on October 1, is available for pre-order on Amazon, with a $30 price tag for the standard edition.
Collectors and enthusiasts also have the option to purchase a $150 limited edition, or a signed memoir edition for $75. The promotional campaign leading up to the memoir’s launch includes a series of four videos posted on social media, with this most recent one centering on her modeling career.
While the video itself does not show any of Melania's controversial nude photos, it features famous works of art, such as Michelangelo's David, in an attempt to emphasize the artistic comparison. The video is narrated by Melania, who explains her perspective through a voice-over.
Melania’s argument in the video is rooted in the idea that the human body, as portrayed in her modeling work, is no different from how it has been celebrated by artists for centuries.
She states, “Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modeling work? The more pressing question is, why has the media chosen to scrutinize my celebration of the human form in a fashion photo shoot?” Melania believes that society has lost its appreciation for the beauty of the human body and its representation in art.
She continues, emphasizing that “throughout history, master artists have revered the human shape, evoking profound emotions and admiration. We should honor our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression.”
This promotional video came shortly after a significant and alarming event involving her husband, former President Donald Trump.
Just four days prior to the video’s release, Donald Trump was the target of a second assassination attempt. Authorities arrested a suspect found outside Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Melania has remained silent on the assassination attempt.
Her video does not address the attack, maintaining its focus on her memoir and personal reflections. The contrast between her silence on the assassination attempt and her outspoken defense of her modeling work has drawn attention from political analysts and the media alike.
Melania Trump's modeling career has been a topic of public interest and media scrutiny since her husband’s political rise.
In 1995, she posed for a French adult magazine, and these photos resurfaced during the 2016 presidential campaign. Despite the criticisms, Donald Trump defended his wife’s work, calling it both fashionable and common in Europe.
Photographer Antoine Verglas, who shot Melania for GQ in 2000, mentioned that while the photos were bold, she maintained certain boundaries. “Melania insisted there be no full nudity,” Verglas recalled. He also described her as “reserved” and “down to earth,” in contrast to the more outgoing public persona often associated with models.
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump stood by his wife’s modeling career, emphasizing her success in the field.
“Melania was one of the most successful models, and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines,” Donald Trump explained at the time. He added that the controversial photos were taken before he knew Melania and stressed that in Europe, such images are “fashionable and common.”
Trump’s top campaign advisor, Jason Miller, also defended the photos, framing them as a form of artistic expression.
“They’re a celebration of the human body as art. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Miller said, reinforcing the idea that Melania’s work was in line with an artistic tradition rather than sensationalism.
