A private Melania Trump steps up criticisms of the media in husband’s second term

First lady Melania Trump is stepping out of the shadows and into the political fight, breaking from her typically reserved role to directly confront critics such as ABC host Jimmy Kimmel in a series of pointed public statements this month.

Long known for keeping a low profile and avoiding public disputes, the first lady has twice in recent weeks forcefully responded to detractors, a notable shift that comes amid heightened concerns about political violence.

The latest instance came this week, when Trump blasted Kimmel over a joke that she had “a glow like an expectant widow” during a skit.

The remark aired just two days before a gunman attempted to assassinate the president at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which the first lady also attended.

First lady Melania Trump, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino listen as President