BEIJING — Melania Trump stayed back at the White House and didn’t join her husband for the whirlwind Beijing summit — which was documented by her director.
Melania Trump is in DC and marking the 180-day milestone since the president signed the Fostering the Future Executive Order, honoring one of her signature initiatives to help foster children.
Instead, director Brett Ratner is in China with President Trump.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. REUTERS
The Trumps with Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, during the president’s first term trip to China on Nov. 8, 2017. APRatner, who directed “MELANIA,” the first lady’s self-titled documentary, traveled on Air Force One with the president to Beijing, leading the internet to wonder why such a high-profile trip had no leading lady.
“The first lady did not have prior knowledge that Mr. Ratner would be in China,” a person familiar with the trip told The Post. “The first lady only works with Mr. Ratner on her film.
The first lady was never scheduled to go on the trip, even before its original date was pushed back by a month because of the Iran war.
“The first lady has prioritized America’s families and children in her initiatives here at home and is focused on these responsibilities at the present time,” the source said.
Trump making a toast at a state banquet hosted by Xi. Getty Images
Eric and Lara Trump accompanied him on the state visit to Beijing. REUTERSHere’s the latest on President Trump’s historic visit to China:
- Trump says he’ll decide on Taiwan arms sale soon, wants China to ‘cool down’ rhetoric toward island
- Xi promises to send Trump sweet gift for the White House during tour of his 1500-acre compound
- 6 key takeaways from historic Trump-Xi China summit
- Trump sets date for Xi Jinping White House visit, touts ‘special relationship’ with China
- ‘Lion’-like Trump deploys ‘power move’ as he, Xi show ‘genuine affection’
Melania Trump will be on hand in September to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House when they make a reciprocal visit, replicating her successful hosting of the British royals last month.
Trump had some family with him in China, with son Eric Trump and daughter-in-law Lara Trump joining the US delegation.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk brought his young son, nicknamed X, on the trip, noting his 6-year-old is learning Mandarin.
