First lady has 'more important things to think about' than Trump's alleged affairs

Donald Trump insists an alleged affair with Stormy Daniels never took place.

October 13, 2018, 3:23 AM

First lady Melania Trump is brushing aside allegations of infidelity on her husband's part, telling ABC News in an exclusive interview that she has no time for what she calls media speculation and gossip.

"I'm a mother and a first lady, and I have much more important things to think about and to do," Trump said in a clip of an interview set to air Friday on "Good Morning America," when she was asked whether President Donald Trump's alleged infidelities have put a strain on their marriage.

"It is not concern and focus of mine," she added.

The usually private first lady, who has refrained from responding publicly to repeated allegations of her husband's infidelity, which he's denied, opened up to Chief National Affairs Correspondent Tom Llamas in an exclusive interview during her recent tour through Africa -- her first solo international trip as first lady.

PHOTO: First lady Melania Trump gives an interview to ABC News' Tom Llamas.
First lady Melania Trump gives an interview to ABC News' Tom Llamas.
Tony Karumba/ABC News

Accusations of President Donald Trump's infidelity came into the spotlight again earlier this year when adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, came forward claiming to have had an affair with the president more than a decade ago.

I'm a mother and a first lady, and I have much more important things to think about and to do.

Daniels' public assertion came in an attempt to void a nondisclosure agreement and bring attention to a $130,000 hush-money payment the president's lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen, made just weeks before the 2016 presidential election.

Donald Trump has since admitted to reimbursing Cohen for the payment, but the president insists the affair itself never took place.

In June, the president's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said the first lady "believes her husband, and she knows it's untrue," referring to Melania Trump's thoughts on Stormy Daniels' claims.

Asked about Giuliani's comments, the first lady pushed back, telling ABC News that she never discussed the matter with Giuliani.

"I never talked to Mr. Giuliani," she said. Asked why Giuliani made that claim, she added, "I don't know. You need to ask him."

In his exclusive interview, Llamas asked the first lady if she has been hurt by all the stories over the last year.

"It's not always pleasant, of course, but I know what is right and what is wrong and what is true and not true," Melania Trump said.

Despite the public's constant focus on her personal life, the persistent allegations of infidelity and the onslaught of accusations of sexual misconduct against her husband –- accusations the president denies -– the first lady insists their marriage is good and that she loves her husband.

"Yes, we are fine," the she said. "It's what media speculate, and it's gossip. It's not always correct stuff."

Melania Trump later added: "I'm very strong, and I know what my priorities are."

ABC News' Tom Llamas and John Santucci talk about the exclusive interview with first lady Melania Trump.
ABC News' Tom Llamas and John Santucci talk about the exclusive interview with first lady Melania Trump.

Tune in tonight at 10 p.m. EST for more of the ABC News special "Being Melania -- The First Lady."

Related Topics