World in 10 Melania Trump: Ukraine's Secret Weapon?
Jul 16, 2025
George Grylls, The Times' Washington correspondent, delves into Melania Trump’s subtle influence on her husband’s foreign policy regarding Ukraine. He discusses her role in shaping public perception and decisions amid Donald Trump's shifting stance toward the conflict. The conversation highlights the divided opinions within the Republican Party concerning support for Ukraine and examines market reactions to these political dynamics. Grylls sheds light on how personal relationships intertwine with national interests, creating ripples in global affairs.
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Melania's Subtle Influence
- Melania Trump subtly influenced Donald Trump by pointing out the missile strikes Russians launched on Ukrainian cities.
- Her gentle nudging helped shift his stance towards supporting Ukraine more strongly.
Melania's Eastern European Perspective
- Melania Trump, born behind the Iron Curtain, has a cautious perspective on Russia unlike her husband.
- After the Ukraine invasion, she publicly expressed heartbreak over civilians targeted, revealing her distinct stance.
Melania's Effective Approach
- Melania Trump knows how to influence Donald Trump effectively after 20 years of marriage.
- She uses subtlety rather than direct confrontation, which seems to work well with him.