Why Is An Unnamed Former White House Official Furious About Melania Trump?
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Melania Trump went somewhat silent after her stint as a first lady. She didn’t say much about her husband’s potential presidential run in 2024, preferring to live a more private life. However, Trump announced shortly before Christmas that she would be taking on a new venture: the world of NFTs. The move was puzzling, and one former White House employee is practically fuming over her new venture.
“I am proud to announce my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts, and will support my ongoing commitment to children through my Be Best initiative,” she wrote in a statement released on her website and social media platforms, per the Miami Herald. Trump could profit nicely from the sale of her NFTs. She is one of many celebrities who have jumped on board with the latest cryptocurrency latest trend. She joins Paris Hilton, Shawn Mendes, Tom Brady, Kate Moss, and Grimes as celebrities who have branched out into selling their own digital art and memorabilia.
Trump’s NFT, called “Melania’s Vision,” is a piece of digital art drawn by French artist Marc-Antoine Coulon, per CNN. Its price is roughly $175 and includes an audio clip of Melania saying, “My vision is: Look forward with inspiration, strength, and courage.”
Melania Trump explained that a portion of the proceeds from her NFT will go towards supporting children who are aging out of the foster care system, per Fox Business. “Through this new technology-based initiative, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of the foster care community,” she wrote. However, the exact amount of money that will go to the children was not specified.
Trump’s move into NFTs hasn’t gone down well with everyone. An unnamed former White House official who previously worked with Trump expressed confusion about the project in an interview with CNN. “I’m confused by it. It’s very random as a project and seems tone-deaf to release online artwork of yourself for $150,” the source said. “The timing seems odd too — COVID and natural disasters are impacting the country, and many people are struggling financially.”
More NFTs are expected to follow the initial release, with information available on Trump’s official website. However, a former White House official told CNN that the money-making scheme contrasts with other former first ladies who establish non-profits and focus on philanthropy after leaving the White House.
“This is not exactly using her platform for larger global or domestic impact,” the source said. “This is ostensibly a quick moneymaker. It’s a classic Trump move, using their brand and their supporters to cash in.” Time will tell how successful the endeavor proves to be.
