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Home / World

Melania 'repulsed' by Donald Trump, former aide Omarosa claims

By Alexis Carey
news.com.au·
28 Oct, 2020 03:35 AM3 mins to read

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Footage captures the pair walking off the stage hand-in-hand before Melania can be seen tugging her hand away from the president. Video / C-SPAN

An insider close to the Trumps has made a string of sensational allegations about their marriage in a new tell-all book.

Omarosa Manigault Newman first met Donald Trump and Melania Knauss back in 2004 when she appeared on reality TV show The Apprentice, which Trump hosted.

At that time, the couple were dating, and they tied the knot in January 2005.

Donald and Melania Trump greet trick or treaters during a Halloween celebration at the White House. Photo / AP
Donald and Melania Trump greet trick or treaters during a Halloween celebration at the White House. Photo / AP

In early 2017, Omarosa was appointed Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the Office of Public Liaison, but she was fired in December of that year.

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She has now penned an explosive book which claims to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the Trump administration – and his third marriage.

Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump before boarding Air Force One for a day of campaign rallies in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Photo / AP
Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump before boarding Air Force One for a day of campaign rallies in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Photo / AP

Speaking about the book on the British breakfast show Lorraine this week, Omarosa made several claims about the Trumps' "very strange" relationship.

"It's a very strange marriage. I'm very cautious to comment on the dynamics of a marriage because you never know what goes on behind closed doors," she told the show.

"But I have known this couple since they were dating, they got married a year after The Apprentice aired.

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As @realDonaldTrump reached out for his wife’s hand stepping out of Air Force One, Melania snatched it away - numerous times.
Full story: https://t.co/1srmzVuD5h pic.twitter.com/B4lyeWatW4

— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) August 18, 2020

"What I have observed in the last 17 years would make your head spin. Sometimes they like each other but sometimes [Melania] is repulsed by him."

She said footage which appeared to show the First Lady snatching her hand away from her husband as they left Air Force One following the presidential debate last week proved her claims.

In fact, over the years, there have been many clips showing the First Lady pulling her hand away from Trump's grasp or grimacing at him, which have immediately gone viral and sparked a flurry of speculation about their relationship.

Melania Trump has avoided much of the campaign trail but has been by her husband's side for major events. Photo / AP
Melania Trump has avoided much of the campaign trail but has been by her husband's side for major events. Photo / AP

Melania Trump's decision to avoid much of the campaign trail – especially as many experts believe the November 3 election will end up being a nailbiter – has also raised eyebrows, as previous First Ladies have traditionally been front and centre in support of their husbands during election years.

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Omarosa said she expected Democratic hopeful Joe Biden to win the election, and expressed disappointment in the Trump administration.

"After 20 years in politics I can say it makes me really sad to see the division in our nation," she said.

"I expected we would unify the country in some way, but I can honestly tell you Donald Trump has squandered that opportunity.

"There is so much negativity in the country, I cannot wait to see new leadership and someone who will take our country forward."

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