17 year-old Emily Dorman profiles the next first lady or first gentleman of the United States
November 11, 2023. Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff (L) and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 70th National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
November 1, 2024
Doug and Melania: Who are the spouses of the presidential candidates?
With the US election only a few days away, both presidential campaigns are making a final push to connect with voters.
While Donald Trump and Kamala Harris take center stage, behind the scenes are dedicated supporters, including their spouses, building enthusiasm.
Historically, the partners of candidates who go on assume the role of first lady (or first gentleman) play a significant part in outreach efforts. With contrasting relationships and distinct messages, Americans are curious to learn more about who could be the next first partner of the United States.
Melania Trump
Melania Trump, wife of Donald Trump, was born in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia, in 1970. She began modeling at the age 16, moving to Milan and Paris before establishing a professional career and appearing in several high-profile publications, including Sports Illustrated.
In 1996, she moved to New York City, where she met Donald Trump two years later. The couple married in 2005, and Melania officially became a US citizen. When Trump took office in 2017, she became the first naturalized citizen to serve as first lady of the United States. As immigration became a central issue in Trump’s campaign, the couple faced scrutiny over allegations that Melania had worked in the country without the appropriate visa during her early years as a model.
Throughout her public life, she has been involved in various service roles, such as a Goodwill Ambassador for the American Red Cross, honorary chairwoman for the Boys’ Club of New York, and was named woman of the year in 2006 by the Police Athletic League.
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As first lady, Melania launched her Be Bestcampaign, which focused on children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being, with an emphasis on online behavior, opioid awareness, and general mental health.
A significant role Melania has undertaken is publicly defending her husband. While it’s common for political spouses to advocate for their partners, Melania goes above and beyond – “my husband is not Hitler,” she saidafter his notorious Madison Square Garden rallyon October 28.
Her involvement in Trump’s 2024 campaign has been minimal, with her only occasionally appearing at events. Trump himself has remarked that she’ll join him “when it’s appropriate,” describing her as “a private person… who loves our country very much.”
Melania made headlines recently with the release of her memoir, in which she takes an unexpected stance on women’s reproductive rights. She writes: “It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government.”
This perspective contrasts with the strong anti-abortion stance promoted by Trump and Project 2025, leaving some voters surprised and uncertain about where Melania’s views align with the current campaign.
Douglas Emhoff
Douglas Emhoff, husband of vice president Kamala Harris and current second gentleman of the US, was born in 1964. Emhoff, who’s a lawyer, first met Harris on a blind date in Los Angeles when she was California’s attorney general, a story the couple often shares on the campaign trail.
As the first second gentleman, Doug also made history as the first Jewish spouse in the White House. He has brought Jewish leaders to the White House to address the rise in antisemitism and was instrumental in helping the Biden administration launch its first National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
Emhoff has also committed himself to raising awareness about mental health and loneliness, partnering with surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy to support programs aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues.
Unlike Melania Trump’s lower-profile approach, Doug has become a prominent surrogate for the Harris campaign. He often speaks to the impact Harris has had on his family, all while championing her professional accomplishments. “Wherever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion. And she did it for me and my family,” he said. Doug also brings a joyful energy to the campaign, sharing anecdotes about their relationship and Harris’s personal connections with voters.
In contrast to Donald and Melania, Doug and Kamala present unified messaging, which has resonated with supporters and increased enthusiasm for a Harris presidency. His presence on the trail has consistently helped the campaign raise millions of dollars at events.
The election is just days away, and Americans are watching closely to see who will lead the country for the next four years. Both Melania and Doug stand firmly by their spouses, confident of their victory. But which one will be standing beside their partner on inauguration day is still uncertain.
