Kathrine Frich
We all have small habits that irritate our partners, an ordinary part of life most couples keep private.
For political leaders, such personal details are usually kept firmly out of the spotlight.
This week, however, Donald Trump chose to share one of Melania Trump’s pet peeves about him with a public audience.
Campaign theatrics
Trump has repeatedly danced during rallies and public events over recent years, often moving to “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People.
Supporters have embraced the performances, while critics have described them as unconventional for a sitting president.
One notable moment took place in Pennsylvania in October 2024, when Trump swayed and danced on stage for nearly 40 minutes.
Clips from the event circulated widely online, reinforcing his image as a politician who blurs spectacle with campaigning.
Speaking to Republicans at the recently renamed Kennedy Center on Tuesday, Trump returned to the subject while addressing the crowd.
Melania’s reaction
During his remarks, Trump said his wife disapproved of the dancing and viewed it as inappropriate for the presidency.
“By the way, my wife hates when I do this. She said, you know, she’s a very classy person. She said, ‘It’s so unpresidential.’ I said, ‘But I did become president.’ She hates when I dance,” he told the audience.
He went on to recount her comparing him to a former president. According to Trump, Melania asked, “could you imagine FDR dancing?”
Trump responded by praising Franklin D. Roosevelt’s demeanor, saying:
“There’s a long history that perhaps she doesn’t know. Because he was an elegant fellow. Even as a Democrat, right? He was.”
Crowd response
As he gestured to the audience, Trump suggested that modern crowds expected something different from political leaders.
“But he wouldn’t be doing this. But nor would too many others,” he said, referring again to past presidents.
Trump then claimed Melania remained unconvinced by the enthusiasm he sees at rallies.
“But she says, ‘Darling, please. The weight lifting is terrible. Now I have to say this, the dancing, they really like. She said, ‘They don’t like it, they’re just being nice to you,’” he recalled.
He rejected that assessment, adding:
“I said, ‘That’s not right. The place goes crazy. They’re screaming, ‘Dance, please!’’”
Sources: Unilad
