Melania Trump breaks record for lowest First Lady approval rating amid absence

Tatiana Krisztina & Julianna SalinasSun, August 16, 2026 at 4:36 AM UTC

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Melania broke a record during her extended absence -Credit:AP

Melania Trump has set an unfortunate new milestone as the first lady continues to stay out of the public eye.

The 57-year-old spouse of Donald Trump hasn't been spotted in public since the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 and has only made 38 public appearances this year. Melania's net approval rating sits at approximately -12, based on national polling figures, marking her as the most unpopular FLOTUS in American history.

Her time in office has been clouded by scandal, including claims of employing a 'body double' during public events. This development follows a former Trump staffer commenting on the rumored 'marriage contract' between the pair.

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Based on CNN/SSRS polling figures, Melania's net approval rating registers at -12 points, with roughly 29% favorable and 41% unfavorable, officially making her the lowest-rated first lady in US history at this stage in Trump's second term.

In contrast, at this juncture in their husband's second terms, Hilary Clinton registered +25 favorability, while Michelle Obama achieved +42 and Laura Bush recorded +46. Melania's current polling numbers represent a dramatic decline from a +3 rating at the beginning of her husband's second term in January 2025, reports the Irish Star.

Melania has a low approval rating -Credit:ANP/Shutterstock

CNN's Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten stated, "Melania Trump is breaking records in the way that you don't want to break records-historically awful."

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The 38-year-old data analyst highlighted Melania's 2018 controversy as a pivotal moment in her public perception, when she donned a jacket bearing the phrase 'I Really Don't Care, Do U?' while visiting children at detention facilities.

"The American people really don't care for her," Entin stated plainly.

Melania concluded her initial White House stint in 2021 as the most unpopular FLOTUS in polling history, according to CNN, SRSS, and Gallup surveys, registering a 42% approval rating against a 47% disapproval rating, making her the only presidential spouse to finish a term with negative net approval.

Melania surpassed Hillary Clinton, whose closing approval stood at 52% versus 39% disapproval, which followed her husband Bill Clinton's scandal-plagued presidency and impeachment over his involvement with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

In contrast, most first ladies since the 1970s averaged a final popularity rating of 71%.

Melania beat out Hillary Clinton's low rating -Credit:Variety via Getty Images

Melania's tenure as FLOTUS has been marked by controversy, including speculation about her using a body double, her purported connections with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the commercially unsuccessful Melania documentary, and her notably distant behavior toward her husband.

The Slovenian-born model wed the reality television personality-turned-politician in 2005, and they have a 20-year-old son, Barron, who, unlike his older siblings, predominantly avoids the spotlight. While Melania's term concludes in 2028, her 80-year-old spouse has been openly discussing a constitutionally prohibited bid for a third presidential term.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”