As Melania Trump returns to the White House, an unexpected fan base has emerged in China. Despite former President Donald Trump’s tense relations with Beijing, the two-time first lady has gained widespread admiration across Chinese social media, particularly among women.
Her popularity stems from a blend of elegance, independence, and loyalty—qualities that resonate deeply with Chinese fans. Social media posts reflect admiration for her impeccable fashion sense, her dignified public persona, and her role as a devoted mother to her teenage son, Barron Trump.
Joyce Yip, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Guangzhou, recently shared her enthusiasm for Melania Trump on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, calling her “heroic, elegant, and resolute.” Following the inauguration last month, where Melania wore a wide-brimmed hat, similar designs flooded Chinese e-commerce platforms, and influencers began posting DIY tutorials on how to knit the iconic accessory.
Melania’s quiet strength and composed demeanor have struck a chord with many Chinese women. While traditional Chinese values emphasize a woman’s supportive role in the family, Melania’s subtle defiance—like her refusal to hold her husband’s hand in a viral 2017 video—also appeals to fans who see her as a blend of tradition and modern independence. That video alone has garnered over five million “likes” on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
Despite Donald Trump’s history of controversies, including accusations of misogyny and extramarital affairs, Chinese fans admire Melania’s steadfast support for her husband. Jingsi Wu, an associate professor of media studies at Hofstra University, explains that “Chinese fans appreciate Melania for being both independent and loyal—a rare combination in their eyes.”
A satire piece from The New Yorker, intended to criticize Melania’s role in Trump’s presidency, unexpectedly became a hit in China, racking up over a million views on Bilibili, the country’s YouTube-like platform. The humor seemed only to strengthen her appeal rather than diminish it.
With Melania Trump’s return to the global spotlight, demand for her memoir has surged in China. Since the book has not been officially published there, some enterprising fans have turned to underground channels. Ge Yahan, a 24-year-old from Zibo, has been selling AI-translated versions of Melania’s book for eight yuan ($1.10) on social media platforms. Others have been pre-selling English versions for nearly $40, despite uncertainty over an official translation.
While Donald Trump remains a controversial figure in China due to his trade policies and rhetoric, many Chinese see U.S. politics as a form of entertainment. Political debates in America, often seen as theatrical and dramatic, contrast sharply with China’s tightly controlled political environment.
Rose LuQiu, an associate professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, suggests that Melania’s rising popularity reflects perceptions of Trump as a “winner” whose success elevates those around him. “The more independent and accomplished she is—but still unwaveringly loyal—the more it reflects his perceived success as a man,” she notes.
Chinese fans also admire Melania Trump’s parenting approach, believing she made personal sacrifices for the well-being of her son, Barron. Many social media users speculate that she agreed to move back to the White House primarily to support his future career.
“Chinese culture places immense importance on parenting,” Wu explains. “Melania’s decision to focus on Barron’s upbringing makes her relatable and even more respected.”
In 2016, Ivanka Trump was the favorite among Chinese admirers, with her polished image and business acumen. However, after her court testimony in Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial last year, many fans turned on her, perceiving her as disloyal to her father.
“The rules of society allow men to be unfaithful, but not women,” says Yip. “Melania, unlike Ivanka, has remained loyal to her husband, which is why she’s still respected.”
As Melania Trump steps back into the role of first lady, her influence in China continues to grow, solidifying her status as a unique cultural icon in a country that typically keeps political spouses out of the public eye.