Melania Trump is telling her own story — and again breaking norms for American first ladies

Melania Trump is the first lady who has seldom been there.

The wife of Republican presidential candidate and former chief executive Donald Trump walked directly into the fire of public scrutiny early, when her debut speech to the 2016 Republican National Convention drew immediate charges of plagiarism. Since then, it has been clear that she rejects the tradition-bound idea that participation is mandatory while married to a president of the United States. On stage during a rare appearance at Trump’s side during the RNC in July, Melania Trump showed affection to her husband and waved to the delegates — but said nothing.

She’s speaking up now.

Weeks before the Nov. 5 presidential election, Melania Trump is releasing a series of videos ahead of her self-titled memoir that tick through her choice subjects — her nude photos, motherhood, the media.

The timing, too, is key. Until at least Election Day, Melania Trump is still a potential first lady. Beyond that, her marketability is in some way up to American voters as they choose between her husband and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

“She is capitalizing on the time she has left,” said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melania Trump’s former friend and adviser. If Harris wins, Winston Wolkoff said, “I believe people will want to move on.”

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