We don’t often see Melania Trump’s parents in public, but they are a huge part of Melania and son Barron’s daily life.
According to the New York Times [1], Viktor and Amalija Knavs split their time among an apartment in Trump Tower, Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida and the suite in the White House once used by Michelle Obama’s mother.
The fact that they often reside in the White House in important, because conservatives often railed against the Obama family for the fact that Marian Robinson lived in the White House with her daughter and son-in-law, and was a caretaker of the Obama children. Republicans charged that the Obamas were costing the taxpayer a great deal having Robinson live in the White House.
Conservatives even claimed that Marian Johnson would receive a pension of $160,000 per year for her role in taking care of her grandchildren, but that was repeatedly proven false [2].
However, do the Knavs actually spend much time at the White House?’
There is a rumor that the Knaus’ have a home in Potomac, Maryland, near grandson Barron’s school, and that Melania Trump lives there as well most of the time.
The White House denies this rumor.
However, let’s take a look at it.
Serious question: Do Melania and Barron still live at the White House?
— Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) November 25, 2019 [3]
The other thing is…undoubtedly the White House press corps knows the answer. I agree Barron specifics should be off limits. But if the Trump is holing up in residence, increasingly paranoid of aides AND essentially not seeing wife and teenage child…America should know.
— Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) November 25, 2019 [4]
Potomac is 45 minutes from the White House. Yet, we never hear of any motorcades taking Barron to school every day. No paparazzi shots of them going to school…nothing. We knew the Obama girls went to Sidwell Friends School.
We actually saw photos of the Obamas occasionally taking their girls to school:
So, what is going on? I think it’s best to lay off Barron, he’s a kid and this isn’t his choice.
But are we paying for a second residence in Maryland? Are we paying for another Secret Service detail?
Twitter also has questions:
Can we finally stop making believe that Melania and Baron live in the White House ?
— Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) July 8, 2019 [5]
Most of the country does not know that Melania does not live in the WH. Everyone in our Potomac-DC-McLean area knows. Going to the WH for events only is her job. She lives with her parents and son near her son’s school in Potomac, MD, 21 miles from the WH.
— Vote Dem for the Planet (@Brasilmagic) May 23, 2019 [6]
Melania doesn’t live with trump in the White House. She and their son live with her parents in Maryland. She knows nothing about him, and she doesn’t care. https://t.co/l0cvgxpc3G [7]
— wise seeker 🌎 (@seekerwisdom1) November 19, 2019 [8]
Rumor is that Trump rarely even sees the boy. Barron is apparently being raised by Melania’s parents and does not live at the White House. He lives with his maternal grandparents in Maryland.
— Robin (@RobinCook) November 22, 2019 [9]
Where was Melania? Oh she was home in Maryland! Got it! https://t.co/p0eJKsl8xZ [10]
— Barbara Castro (@BabashanBarbara) November 19, 2019 [11]
Ivanka is the daughter wife. Melania’s primary residence is with her parents and Barron in Maryland. She gets pulled out and dusted off for important events.
— Linda (@LindaYinzer) November 21, 2019 [12]
My theory is that Baron’s autistic and kept hidden from view on orders of P(edophile)OTUS because #TraitorTrump [13] is embarrassed. Just a theory.
— Dave Diamond Law🍷 (@davediamondlaw) July 8, 2019 [14]
I wonder how much that house in Maryland and the Secret Service protection there is costing taxpayers https://t.co/0QfC7k1Esv [15]
— De Izquierda (@kishkafka) July 8, 2019 [16]
The kid is not there on Easter or Fourth of July or Christmas or anything does he actually exist? You never see him in school or with friends or in any social situation he’s like a ghost. A true anchor baby. Convenience
— Sharon Dennis (@sddphoto) July 8, 2019 [17]
How has the media not jumped on this? They live in Maryland. Barron is no longer seen and Melania just makes appearances.
— MM Wilson (@ememwilson123) July 8, 2019 [18]
They live in Maryland with her parents and speak Slovakian in the home. Melania’s English is shameful. https://t.co/xVn1l5cj19 [19]
— EllenZ (@ellenzelwell) July 8, 2019 [20]
Thank you. Yes. I've heard from someone who works in Potomac that they sometimes see Barron with an older couple, presumably his maternal grandparents, and a Service detail.
— Donna R (@RennDonna) July 8, 2019 [21]