'Pure drivel': Melania-bylined Mother's Day column gets WaPo hit with new blowback

It didn't take long on Friday for readers of the Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post to lash out at the once venerable Washington institution for publishing a column purportedly written by Donald Trump’s wife, Melania.

Going into the Mother's Day weekend, Melania, who gave birth to Trump’s fifth child, Barron, extolled the virtues of being a mother in a column with the headline “Mothers are America’s strength,” and a subhed of “Women can lead boldly at work while restoring the honor of motherhood.”

The first lady, whose relationship with Bezos has been harshly criticized after she was reportedly paid $28 million by the Amazon founder for the box office flop “Melania” documentary, received a new drubbing in the comments, with more than one WaPo reader questioning who actually wrote what a critic called “pure drivel.”

Within hours after its publication, hundreds of comments began to pile up, with the WaPo’s AI summary noting, “The conversation explores a strong critical response to an opinion piece attributed to Melania Trump. Participants in this discussion express skepticism about the authenticity of the piece, suggesting it was likely ghostwritten. Many comments highlight perceived hypocrisy, questioning Melania's credibility to speak on motherhood and family values given her marriage to Donald Trump.

"There is a recurring theme of dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's policies, particularly regarding family support, healthcare, and immigration. Some comments also reflect a broader discontent with the Washington Post for publishing the piece, viewing it as lacking substance and being out of touch with the realities faced by American families.”

Case in point, Bruce 19 responded, “This is the biggest piece of fiction ever printed in the WaPo. I can't believe it's in this paper! It belongs in People Magazine or The National Enquirer. How low can Jeff Bezos go? Who allows this wretched dribble to appear? What has happened to your publication?”

“I'm not bothering to read this, but I am wondering how much Jeff paid her for it,” wrote another critic.

Reader Endorra pointed out, “Notice that the AI summary doesn't even admit this piece was written by Mrs. Trump. Instead, it's ‘an opinion piece attributed to Melania Trump.’ Who attributed it? Bozos himself?”

“OK WAPO - I have dithered for a year about cancelling my subscription. This has clinched it. Between Bozos taking over and sacking 1/3 of its staff who are now unemployed and giving the First Ladybot a platform, I'm done. My sincere apologies to Carolyn Hax, the only reason why I stayed so long. Bye bye, you horrifying sellout,” Genexer mom wrote.

Another critic observed, “I truly wonder who wrote this. The only thing we know is melania did not. Next question: what was the point of this rambling piece? Mothers exist and are good?”

"The best thing about this column is that it finally got me to cancel my subscription, even though it is only 1 dollar a week. Then I was offered a subscription for 50 cents a week. Not worth that. Posting an article that someone wrote for Melania Trump, after spending 75 million on a documentary about Melania Trump, who came here under sketchy circumstances, stayed here illegally, and became the ultimate trophy wife is the jumpiest jumping of the shark I could ever imagine. Vaya con dios Senor Bezos," wrote another reader.

“My God, running this silly piece is a journalistic travesty. I’d say the Post should be ashamed of itself but by my count the capacity for shame is long gone,” Glen Holster accused.

MS Zoeykty joked, “I really don't care.”