Melania Trump thanked a crowd of supporters at Mar-A-Lago for "being there" for her and her son Barron through a turbulent year.
2024 was a roller coaster for the Trump family, marked by lawfare, two harrowing assassination attempts, and finally, Donald Trump's triumphant re-election victory.
In a rare display of vulnerability, Melania expressed her gratitude Sunday night, telling a throng of supporters: "For being there for myself and Barron - thank you for that."
While Melania has long endeavored to shield her son from the political spotlight, that is liable to change as Barron, her only child with Donald Trump, enters adulthood.
"Melania worries about the hate in the country and how it falls on her son, who is innocent of any of this," a source told People.
This year, Melania's relationship with her son entered a new phase as Barron went off to college at New York University, even as the threats to her family became more real than ever.
As her husband survived not one but two assassination attempts, Melania became more outspoken with her own political views, condemning Donald's rivals for inciting hatred against him.
Melania's political convictions were also hardened by a frightening experience impacting her son, who was allegedly blacklisted from her bank, she confessed in her memoir, blasting the incident as an example of "cancel culture" run amok.
Now, Melania is set to reprise her role as First Lady, as Barron matures into a confident young gentleman with a bright future ahead.
Like his mother, Barron remains a mysterious figure known for his stoic aura. He is well-liked by his college peers, especially the ladies.
"He’s tall and handsome. A lot of people seem to think he’s pretty attractive — yes, even liberal people like him," a source told People.
Melania Trump is a "mama bear" to be sure - and she remains a strong support for her son as he goes off into the world.
"She wants to encourage him to make friends, be super careful of the haters which can be anywhere — especially on college campuses these days — and keep him mentally healthy by having open communication with him and the rest of her immediate family," another source told People.
It's definitely going to be an adjustment for Melania to let go of Barron, who has long been the center of her emotional universe. But there are indications that Melania is ready to embrace political responsibilities with renewed vigor, as her increasingly vocal public role suggests.
