Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Liberty Ball 01-20-17

Trump's Bizarre Nickname for Melania Sparks Outrage

By Della Grant • Jul 17, 2025

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Liberty Ball, 2017. Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Ashley Marble. Public domain.

Donald Trump's recent remarks about his wife, Melania Trump, have ignited a fresh wave of public fascination and debate. At a major event marking America's 250th anniversary on July 3, 2025, the 79-year-old president revealed that he calls Melania "First Lady" even in private moments, including in their bedroom, as reported by the Inquisitr. This unusual disclosure, mixing affection with a clear reminder of his presidential role, has left many observers both amused and unsettled, sparking conversations about the nature of their relationship and the president's self-image.

An Unconventional Pet Name

During his speech at the America250 event in Iowa, President Donald Trump recounted a conversation with Melania about the challenges facing the U.S. military. He referred to her as "our great First Lady" but then paused and acknowledged that calling her "First Lady" at home might sound "terrible," according to The Daily Beast. Trump explained that he uses the title as a reminder of his role as president, even when saying good night to his wife. He said he tells her, "Good night, First Lady, my darling," emphasizing how the nickname serves as a personal reinforcement of his presidential identity.

The president also expressed concern about the military, telling Melania, "First Lady, it's terrible nobody wants to join our military force." This comment came amid his broader discussion of national issues, though it drew attention given Trump's history of avoiding the Vietnam War draft by citing medical deferments, a fact highlighted by his former lawyer Michael Cohen during congressional testimony, as reported by The Daily Beast.

Social Media's Take on the Nickname

The revelation quickly became fodder for social media users, who responded with a mix of humor and skepticism. On X, (formerly Twitter) a user named Dug Fresh joked that Melania "needs to live in the White House to be called the First Lady," and suggested "First buddy" might be a more fitting title, as reported by the Inquisitr.

These reactions reflect a broader perception that the nickname serves more to bolster Trump's ego than to express genuine intimacy or affection. Some critics have framed the nickname as an example of the president's well-documented tendency toward self-centeredness, though this remains a subjective interpretation rather than an established fact.

Melania's Own Public Moments

While Donald Trump was making headlines with his unusual pet name, Melania Trump was engaged in a very different kind of public service. On the same day as the America250 event, she visited the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she spent time with young patients ahead of Independence Day celebrations. During her visit, she spoke warmly about the holiday and invited the children to join a future White House party once they were feeling better, according to The Daily Beast.

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In a moment that caught attention, a child praised pop star Taylor Swift, and Melania agreed, calling the singer "very talented." This public endorsement was notable given Donald Trump's past negative comments about Swift, including a social media post where he claimed, "Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'" Melania also reportedly revealed herself as a fan of Sabrina Carpenter, another pop singer, further highlighting a more relatable and culturally engaged side that contrasts with her husband's often combative public persona, according to The Daily Beast.

Contrasting Public Images

The contrast between Donald and Melania Trump's public personas is striking. While the president's remarks about his wife's nickname appear to serve his own sense of importance, Melania's actions during her hospital visit suggest a focus on empathy and connection. Observers note that Melania's approach offers a softer, more compassionate counterpoint to her husband's brash style, though both remain deeply intertwined in the public eye.

Trump's habit of framing personal interactions through the lens of his presidential role perhaps underscores how closely his identity is tied to power and status. Calling Melania "First Lady" in private settings could be seen as a reflection of this dynamic, where even intimate moments are infused with political symbolism.

White House

What This Reveals About the Trump Relationship

In the world of celebrity and politics, every word and gesture are scrutinized for meaning. Trump's choice to use "First Lady" as a pet name is more than a quirky detail — it offers insight into how he perceives his relationship and his own role.

Meanwhile, Melania's public engagements suggest she is carving out her own identity within the Trump brand, emphasizing compassion and cultural relevance. This duality adds layers to their public narrative, inviting ongoing curiosity about the dynamics behind one of the most watched couples in the world.

The Public's Reaction

Whether viewed as endearing, awkward, or emblematic of deeper personality traits, Donald Trump's nickname for Melania has captured public attention. The blend of affection and self-reference sparked conversations about the performative nature of power and the complexities of their marriage.

As the Trump presidency continues, moments like these provide rare glimpses behind the scenes — revealing the interplay of love, ego, and image that shapes their public and private lives.

References: Donald Trump's Bizarre Nickname for Melania Leaves Netizens Cringing at the Narcissism | Donald Trump Reveals the Cringe Nickname He Calls Melania

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