Melania Trump's recent decision to redefine her role as First Lady while closely supporting her college-going son, Barron, has ignited a flurry of criticism and mockery online.

According to Mail Online, Melania will take on a 'part-time' First Lady role during President Trump's second term, splitting her time between New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C.

Melania Trump plans to alternate between the White House, New York City, and Florida, focusing on her 18-year-old son, Barron. Barron is attending the Stern School of Business at New York University.

While opting for a subdued public presence, Melania intends to make only occasional visits to the White House, with the majority of her time spent in Manhattan. This marks a significant shift from the traditional full-time First Lady role.

Barron attended Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, graduating in May before enrolling at NYU. His father, President Donald Trump, has often spoken proudly of Barron's academic achievements and his acceptance into Stern.

Public Scrutiny Over Melania's Role as a "Full-Time Mom"

The public has voiced significant skepticism over Melania's need to supervise Barron closely, especially given his status as a college student. Critics argue that her protective nature borders on smothering.

Comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, have ranged from humorous to harsh. One user remarked, "He's a grown adult at NYU... any other woman following her son to college would be laughed at as smothering her adult manchild."

Another user questioned the necessity of a full-time mother for an 18-year-old, highlighting a widespread sentiment that Melania's decision might be more about personal comfort than Barron's needs.

Melania's Commitment to Privacy and Discretion

Despite the critiques, Melania has been consistent about her preference for privacy, a theme she has extensively discussed in her recent memoir. She contrasts her discreet public presence with that of her more outgoing husband, President Trump.

Her minimal public engagements during the 2024 race reflect this intention, and she has confirmed that her future involvement in public events will remain limited.

The Trump family maintains residences at Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower in Manhattan. Melania and Barron will be staying in their Manhattan home while he attends college.

Barron Trump's Low Profile Amid Political Turmoil

Barron has occasionally appeared at campaign events, such as a notable rally in Miami on July 9. However, he was notably absent from the scene of an assassination attempt on his father on July 13, an event he witnessed via live television.

President Trump acknowledged his son during a speech at the Republican National Convention on July 18, highlighting Barron's ongoing involvement in the campaign despite the family's tumultuous year.

Melania's choice to stay mostly in New York is seen by some as an attempt to maintain normalcy for Barron during his college years. Critics suggest it also conveniently allows her to keep her distance from the political spotlight and her husband's controversies.