Melania Trump turns 54 today but had a big bash last Saturday – with the former first lady hosting the Log Cabin Republican (LGBTQ Republicans) Fundraiser – not technically a birthday party but there had to be birthday spirit in the air with the date coming this week. Even the most cynical of us admit that she looks good for that age or any age – though rumored to have a lot of help. Another year on the calendar wouldn’t depress her, or – at least, it shouldn’t. After all, she survived. And what a year it was.

Indeed, what a week it was to have a birthday. Ooh, boy, there had to be a lot on her mind.

First – and we will not make light of this. We won’t go “cheap” at any point (At least, I won’t and I know Nicole won’t), Melania lost her mother recently and that must still hang over her mind like a dark cloud. That alone is enough to make a birthday hard.

Plus, as we reiterate below, absolutely none of this is her fault.

Even with her mother’s death, she is a Trump – and money is critical, so we all have to bear in mind that hosting the fundraiser itself took place before she had full knowledge of David Pecker’s testimony that took place in the last week. Thus, even at the party, the worst was yet to come. That hurts when you host a party six days prior to your actual birthday (Birthday spirit in the air), though it may have been beneficial in this situation.

Of course, Pecker started out by testifying to The National Enquirer’s “Catch and Kill” program that applied to Trump and probably others. If an explosive story came about – like the Stormy Daniels story, the Enquirer would “catch it” and then “kill it” by paying the involved party a large amount, calling that person an employee, just an employee who does nothing.

Now, Melania was an expert in the Stormy Daniels catch-and-kill story and likely wasn’t surprised by anything. Reminded and angry – yes. Surprised and angry – no. But one never likes to be reminded.

But another element of Pecker’s testimony probably did infuriate her. Pecker not only focused on Stormy Daniels – who got nearly all the attention, but also Karen McDougal’s “months-long” affair with Trump. A one-night stand is bad. Yes. But “months long” implies a bit of an emotional connection (just go with it) that wouldn’t exist with Stormy. Yes. That’s bad because McDougal had been kept largely out of the tabloids.

Melania may have largely forgotten McDougal.

It should also be said that Trump has denied all these affairs, but, well – Pecker’s testimony was compelling and, well – you know. But Donald will continue to deny these affairs. He will NEVER admit to them, as that would further humiliate Melania and he simply won’t do that. Pecker testified that the Enquirer had PROOF as to Donald’s affair with McDougal. Still, Donald will never admit to it.

So that all testimony occurred after the party she hosted but before her birthday.

The party itself fell flat by most accounts. According to Newsweek:

Although Filipkowski claimed around 25 people attended the fundraiser, Yahoo states that 60 people were present, including staff. However, according to Charles Moran—president of the Log Cabin Republicans—the event has raised over $1 million since it was announced at the start of April.

Whether it’s 25 or 60, the $1 million is the operative number here. Donald Trump himself likely wouldn’t care if three people attended if he got that million to pay attorneys. Tickets were $50,000, though maybe some get reduced rates; who knows?

All proceeds were to go to Trump’s legal troubles or his campaign, and it’s hard to distinguish the two at this point. What we can say with ease is that Warren Buffet likely can’t clean his couch without finding a million dollars, and thus, the whole “billionaire” thing has taken quite the hit. Granted, New York itself has hit Trump over the wallet fairly well.

Ultimately, the money might be the most depressing thing for Melania. She may not speak six languages, but she doesn’t need help in economics and can see a fortune floating away. She had to know that Trump was a serial philanderer when she met him. Come on. And, though they likely had an air-tight pre-nuptial agreement, it’s likely that Melania found some air after the affair went public and definitely after Trump won the election.

All Melania needed to say is “Where is my phone, anyway?” And that would likely get her an extra 10%… Now he’s running again and that 10% looks worse and worse by the day.

So, hosting a party that largely disappointed and a birthday coming at the end of one hell of a week (literally, sort of) and – that’s enough to spoil any birthday.

The other thing? Absolutely none of this is Melania’s fault – that’s enough to get a girl angry. Did we mention that she still looks great? Especially losing her mother – again, we take no schadenfreude of humor with that.

Some free advice for Melania? Smile once in a while – we know it’s hard, given the circumstances, but laugh, giggle – and her own net worth would skyrocket. Smiling, especially this week, would really be a gift.

And Trump did do one thing he RARELY does, he posted her a happy birthday on Truth Social. It was a video put together by one of his staffers, trust me he had nothing to do with it, but this is a rare occurrence. So obviously he knows, Melania is not happy.

Happy Birthday Melania! pic.twitter.com/OzkQ8Gglfe

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 26, 2024

Trump also wished her a happy birthday from the courthouse. Again, it was simply an excuse to whine that the trial is rigged, and that everyone on the planet is out to get him.

"I want to start by wishing my wife Melania a very happy birthday. It would be nice to be with her, but I'm in a courthouse for a rigged trial. It's a rigged trial. Terrible. But we're doing very well in this rigged trial."

— Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/Ox0148M0Bl

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 26, 2024

****

Jason Miciak is Executive Editor of Political Flare and an Editor at Large for Occupy Democrats. He can be reached at [email protected]