Melania Trump’s time as First Lady of the United States has been a mix of public appearances and private life, much like her husband Donald Trump’s presidency. While she has continued her Be Best initiative, much of her second term has focused on her documentary, for which Amazon reportedly paid $40 million for filming rights. Released in January, the documentary received mixed reviews, but Melania expressed pride in its outcome, telling CNN, “We achieved what we want to achieve. For myself, it’s already successful.” She also balanced her time between Washington, Palm Beach, and New York City, emphasizing a more flexible approach during her return to the White House.

A recent YouGov poll reveals Americans’ mixed opinions of Melania’s performance as First Lady. Conducted online among over 2,200 adults in February 2026, the survey found her approval rating at -16, lower than Jill Biden (-9) but slightly higher than Hillary Clinton (-17). By contrast, many past First Ladies enjoyed significantly higher ratings, including Nancy Reagan (+25), Rosalynn Carter (+32), and Michelle Obama (+21), with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis topping the list at +56. The poll also showed Melania’s approval was higher among Republicans than Democrats, highlighting the political divide in public perception. While opinions are divided, the survey underscores the challenge of measuring the impact of a First Lady who balances public initiatives with a largely private life.