New Podcast remarks by Michael Wolff draw attention to Trump family dynamics. (Photo by Getty Images)
A longtime critic of President Donald Trump is once again stirring controversy, this time with claims about the state of Trump’s marriage.
During a recent episode of the podcast Inside Trump’s Head, journalist and author Michael Wolff alleged that Donald and Melania Trump do not live together and described their relationship as “remote at best.” Wolff made the remarks while speaking with co-host Hugh Dougherty, executive editor of The Daily Beast.
Wolff, who has written four books examining Trump’s political career and personal life, said the couple’s living situation is unlike that of any previous president and first lady. According to him, Melania Trump spends most of her time at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and at Trump properties in New York, rather than residing full-time with the president.
“The first lady does not live with the President of the United States,” Wolff said during the podcast. He added that their dynamic differs significantly from past White House couples.
Wolff’s comments arrive as he faces a high-profile lawsuit from Melania Trump. The first lady filed a suit seeking more than $1 billion in damages after Wolff allegedly claimed she had ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit disputes Wolff’s assertions and challenges the credibility of his reporting.
Coverage of the podcast remarks has been widely reported, including by The Daily Beast, where Dougherty serves as executive editor. The outlet has closely followed Wolff’s work and the ongoing legal battle.
Melania Trump has maintained a lower public profile during Trump’s second term, appearing less frequently at official events than many of her predecessors. That absence has fueled speculation about her role and day-to-day presence in Washington. However, neither Donald nor Melania Trump has publicly confirmed Wolff’s description of their living arrangements.
Wolff is no stranger to controversy. His 2018 book, Fire and Fury, drew international attention with claims about dysfunction in the Trump White House. Since then, he has continued publishing works that offer critical portrayals of Trump and his inner circle. Supporters of the president have frequently dismissed Wolff’s reporting as sensationalized or unreliable, while critics argue his access has provided rare insight into Trump’s orbit.
The latest claims come at a sensitive time, given the ongoing lawsuit and the renewed scrutiny surrounding figures previously connected to Epstein. Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures carry a high burden of proof, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate actual malice. The case between Melania Trump and Wolff could hinge on whether his statements were presented as fact or opinion.
Despite the headlines, it remains unclear how much of Wolff’s account can be independently verified. The Trumps have long faced rumors about their marriage, but they have also presented a united front at key political events.
For now, Wolff’s comments have added another layer to the public narrative surrounding one of America’s most closely watched political couples. Whether his claims hold up in court may ultimately determine how this latest chapter unfolds.
