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Former First Lady Melania Trump has stepped back into the spotlight, this time to defend her past nude modeling work ahead of her upcoming memoir release. In a promotional video posted to social media on September 18, 2024, Mrs. Trump addressed the controversy surrounding her modeling career with a bold stance.
"Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modeling work?" Mrs. Trump asked in the 45-second clip. "The more pressing question is, why has the media chosen to scrutinize my celebration of the human form in a fashion photo shoot? Are we no longer able to appreciate the beauty of the human body?"
The video, which features Mrs. Trump's voice over images of classical artworks like Michelangelo's David, marks her fourth such promotional piece for her memoir, simply titled "Melania," set to hit shelves on October 1st.
Mrs. Trump drew parallels between her modeling work and revered artistic traditions, stating, "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."
The former model's nude photos, taken in the 1990s, resurfaced during the 2016 presidential campaign. At the time, then-candidate Donald Trump defended his wife, telling reporters, "Melania was one of the most successful models and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines. This was a picture taken for a European magazine prior to my knowing Melania. In Europe, pictures like this are very fashionable and common."
Campaign adviser Jason Miller echoed this sentiment, describing the photos as "a celebration of the human body as art" and insisting there was "nothing to be embarrassed about."
Mrs. Trump's memoir, available for pre-order at $30, comes in two editions: a $150 collector's edition and a $40 standard edition, with signed copies available for $75. The book's release follows recent events, including a second assassination attempt on her husband on September 14th, 2024.
While Mrs. Trump has yet to comment on the recent incident, she previously demanded answers regarding the first attempt on her husband's life in an earlier promotional video.
As the October 1st release date approaches, it remains unclear whether Mrs. Trump will embark on a book tour or grant interviews. Her unconventional marketing strategy, relying heavily on social media videos, has sparked curiosity about the memoir's contents and her perspective on her time as First Lady.
