Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story develops. From investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC to producing our latest documentary, “The A Word,” which spotlights American women fighting for their reproductive rights, we know how important it is to analyze the facts from messaging.
At such a critical moment in U.S. history, we need journalists on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to speak on both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality media outlets, we choose not to exclude Americans from our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe that quality journalism should be accessible to all, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Former and new first lady Melania Trump is selling a collection of digital photos on her website ahead of the holiday season.
The set is called “On the Move” and shows different parts of President-elect Donald Trump’s wife in various settings. “From his office and the campaign trail to his home,” a description on the website reads. The photos were taken by Belgian photographer Regine Mahaux and “offer a poignant insight into her vibrant life.”
The sets sell for $195 each. They are accompanied by 16 exclusive digital images, Melania Trump’s office said in a statement regarding the product. One photo shows the Slovenian-born former model standing in front of a plane with a landing strip reading “MELANIA” and holding black sunglasses in her left hand.
“I am happy to share my journey – through photographs – with fans and collectors,” said the 54-year-old. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the new first lady’s Fostering the Future campaign, according to Fox News. The initiative is part of its Be Best campaign, which helps secure educational opportunities and scholarships for children in foster care.
The former first lady launched the Be Best initiative while in office to combat cyberbullying. She faced some ridicule over the project, with critics pointing out her husband’s habit of publicly mocking his opponents online.
The former first lady – who will return to office on January 20 when her husband is sworn in as the 47th president – released her self-titled memoir last month titled Melanie. It has previously sold American-themed non-fungible tokens, digital watercolors and jewelry.
Her husband has made merchandise a key business venture when it comes to connecting with his supporters. The president-elect sells sneakers, hats, books, key chains and flags on his website. Most products range from $16 to $200.
He is already capitalizing on his election victory by selling clothing bearing the numbers 45 and 47 to match his presidential term. These products, which include a mug, shirts and sweatshirts, cost between $28 and $195.
The former president was recently criticized for selling $100,000 worth of “Swiss-made” watches. Upon their release in September, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “This would make a great Christmas present. Don’t wait, they will go quickly. GET YOUR TRUMP WATCH NOW! »
A watchmaker’s address tied to a Wyoming mall next to an H&R Block and a Wendy’s, according to a CNN report, revealing they may not be “Swiss-made” after all.
It is unclear whether Melania Trump plans to return to the White House. Sources have told various media outlets that she is unlikely to return full-time, but will attend high-profile functions like state dinners. She stood by her husband on Election Day and held his hand after his victory.
She was not present at the White House when her husband met with President Joe Biden. In a statement, her office said she “will not attend today’s meeting at the White House.” Her husband’s return to the Oval Office to begin the transition process is encouraging.”
It is customary for the current president and first lady to welcome the president-elect and his wife to the White House before their move-in day in January. This courtesy was not extended to Biden or his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, when they won in 2020. Melania Trump met with Michelle Obama in the Yellow Oval Room after her husband’s first victory.
Dr. Biden reportedly gave the president-elect a handwritten note for his wife in case she wanted to contact us.