There’s a hell of a lot to unpack in the aftermath of this week’s US election. Seriously, even if we had a solid month dedicated to wading through all that has been said, speculated and rumored over the past few days, we’d still come up short in terms of giving a fully comprehensive run-down.

It’s perhaps unsurprising given that Donald Trump has proven to be the most divisive presidential candidate in history over his three election campaigns. Love him or hate him, you do have an opinion, and it’s testament to his charisma and cult-like drawing power that every facet of his life, every minute decision he makes, is poured over and analyzed and deconstructed to better understand just what the heck is going on.

And that, apparently, extends to his nearest and dearest as well. Earlier this week the internet erupted with articles on the seldom-seen Barron Trump, while no end of right-wing lick-spittles have clamored to be closer to Donald in the simple hopes that some of his shine will rub off on them.

Then there’s Melania Trump. The former model was a redoubtable presence during her husband’s first two campaigns, just as she played a significant role during his first term in the White House.

Yet something has definitely changed. Perhaps it was the chaos let loose by her husband’s deranged ravings in light of losing the 2020 election? Or the egregious attack on democracy that culminated in the ugliness that unfolded on Capitol Hill? Or perhaps it was the hush-money scandal relating to Melania’s righteous, god-abiding husband’s sordid affair with ex-porn star Stormy Daniels?

Ultimately there a thousand and one reasons as to why Melania decided enough was enough, that she would rather spent her time in the shadows as opposed to being rolled out to stand at her husband’s side, exhibiting all the love and support of a waxwork model.

My point is, her not being there is conspicuous. People have noticed, and it’s now being speculated in several circles that Melania might not even choose to move back into the White House when Donald begins his second term as president. The official line here seems to be that she wants to be closer to support her son, Barron, who – need I remind you – is 18 years old and now a college student.

In any case, further fuel was added to the fire earlier this week when the Trumps posted a family photo in the wake of Donald’s victory over Kamala Harris. On Wednesday, Donald Trump Jr.’s eldest child, Kai Trump, uploaded a photo that included virtually all members of the Trump clan (as well as Elon Musk), captioning it “The whole squad.”

And Melania was not in it.

The former and future First Lady’s absence was noted by plenty of people on social media, all of whom openly wondered what she might be doing that meant she couldn’t be in the photo, and why those in the photo couldn’t wait for her.

Emerging from the depths of, well, who knows where, Melania was at her husband’s side for all of 2024 election day, joining him as he gave his victory speech from West Palm Beach that night.

So she was there, just not there when the photo in question was taken. Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. since 2021, also failed to make the cut on election night, though his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump, was in the photo.

What do you think about Melania being missing from the photo? Let us know thoughts in the comments.