Melania Trump has unexpectedly become an online celebrity in China, especially among women. Despite Donald Trump’s hostile stance toward China, many admire her elegance, independence, and devotion to her son. Moreover, her loyalty to Trump, despite his misogynistic remarks, alleged affairs, and legal troubles, has drawn significant attention.

Admiration for Her Strength and Fashion

Many Chinese social media users praise her elegance and composure. In fact, after she wore a wide-brimmed hat at the recent inauguration, similar designs quickly flooded online stores. Additionally, influencers on Xiaohongshu posted DIY tutorials within 48 hours, helping fans create their own versions.

Jingsi Wu, a professor at Hofstra University, explains, “Chinese fans like her having both traditional and modern sides of a woman.”

Furthermore, Melania’s journey—from a small Slovenian town to the White House—inspires many young women.

Viral Social Media Moments

Melania’s public moments often go viral. For instance, a four-year-old video of her refusing to hold Trump’s hand has already received over 5 million likes on Douyin (China’s TikTok). Likewise, a satirical New Yorker article mocking her marriage gained 1 million views on Bilibili, yet it only boosted her popularity.

Similarly, a November post on Xiaohongshu joking about her reluctance to return to public life attracted 500,000 likes. Another post about an old interview with Ellen DeGeneres gathered 30,000 likes, with users calling her marriage "super sweet."

Young Chinese Women Admire Her Journey

Many young women in China admire Melania’s rise to fame. For example, Ge Yahan, a 24-year-old from Zibo, calls Melania a “mysterious lady” who bravely pursued her dreams. Moreover, she even earns money by selling AI-translated copies of Melania’s memoir for 8 yuan ($1.10) on Chinese social media.

Similarly, Huang Li, a fashion professional, has sold over 30 copies of Melania’s memoir, despite it not being officially available in China. Meanwhile, English versions are preselling for 290 yuan ($40), but no official translation has been announced yet.

Mixed Views on Trump and His Politics

While Melania enjoys admiration, Trump remains a divisive figure. Over the years, he started a trade war, imposed tariffs, and even called COVID-19 the "Kung Flu." Additionally, he falsely claimed Chinese immigrants were forming an army to attack the U.S.

Nevertheless, many Chinese view U.S. politics as a soap opera. Wu explains that since China’s leaders rarely share personal details, Trump’s dramatic personal life makes him more fascinating to watch.

Melania’s Role as a Mother Resonates

Chinese fans respect her dedication to her son, Barron. In fact, many joke that she only moved back to the "White House dormitory" for his future success.

Furthermore, Wu explains, “Chinese people pay extra attention to parenting.” Since Melania prioritizes her son’s well-being, her values align with those of many Chinese families.

Shift from Ivanka to Melania

Previously, Ivanka Trump was highly popular in China. However, after she testified against Trump in his fraud trial, many now see her as a traitor.

Yip, a Chinese entrepreneur, explains, “Men can be disloyal, but not women. Melania is very loyal to her husband.”

Ultimately, Melania’s resilience and unwavering loyalty have strengthened her fan base in China. Many admire her as a strong, supportive partner who stands by Trump when it matters most.