Trump marketing campaign counting on Melania as a ‘secret weapon’ to win undecided voters, as she hosts fundraiser

Melania Trump’s headlining fundraiser later this month is a part of a technique to painting the previous first woman as a “softer, extra reasonable voice” for the Trump marketing campaign, sources advised The Submit.

Whereas Donald Trump will be part of his spouse on the April 20 fundraiser, hosted at Mar-a-Lago by the Log Cabin Republicans, insiders stated the marketing campaign intends to place — and maintain — Melania within the highlight as the female counterpoint to his brash fashion. 

“The Trump marketing campaign acknowledges that Melania is their secret weapon,” a supply near the marketing campaign stated. “Her enchantment is vital to win battleground states and undecided voters, particularly now that they’ve gained’t the first and are hyper-focused on the final.”

Certainly, Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf advised The Submit, “That is only the start of utilizing softer faces and voices as surrogates.

“They’re developing with a extra various image — they’re making an attempt to make voters really feel extra comfy.”

In response to GOP fundraiser Caroline Wren, Melania, 53, is a attract her personal proper.

“Individuals will ask me if Melania can be at a fundraiser earlier than they enroll,” advised The Submit. “Individuals actually like her… she is a large asset to the marketing campaign and to fundraising.” 

One other key surrogate who might win over socially liberal voters is Richard Grenell, Trump’s former performing Nationwide Intelligence Director and the primary overtly homosexual member of a presidential cupboard.

“Ric is in all places as of late. He’s a terrific fundraiser, and there’s no one higher to articulate America-first overseas coverage,” Wren stated. 

The Washington Submit not too long ago referred to Grenell as a shadow secretary-of-state — and he could possibly be poised to formally get the job if Trump is re-elected, sources advised The Submit. 

The upcoming fundraiser has already introduced in seven figures, a supply advised The Submit.

Cash raised by the Log Cabin Republicans, a gaggle targeted on reaching LGBTQ+ Republicans, can be primarily used to assist Trump and different GOP candidates in 2024. 

The host committee consists of Elizabeth Ailes, the widow of longtime Fox Information chief Roger Ailes, together with Invoice White — the former president of New York Metropolis’s Intrepid Sea, Air and Area Museum, and his husband, Bryan Eure. The as soon as liberal couple’s shocking help for Donald Trump landed them a New York Instances profile in 2018.

Whereas Melania is predicted to place a “pleasant face,” as a supply put it, on the marketing campaign path over the following months, her earlier absence was so noticeable that rivals distributed “Lacking Melania” flyers forward of the January Iowa Caucus.

However when the Trumps confirmed as much as vote within the Florida presidential main on March 19, Melania advised reporters to “keep tuned” about her future marketing campaign appearances. 

One other supply with data of the Trump marketing campaign advised The Submit that, although Melania has been out of the general public eye, she has been integrally concerned within the race.

“It’s a actual marriage and Melania is totally his largest supporter… and all in on Trump,” the supply stated. “They need the general public to see that too.”

“May she flip the election?” Sheinkopf requested. “At this level, something might flip the election.”