Melania Trump 'keeps a firm hand' on husband Donald, Brigitte Macron says: French first lady says ex-president 'obeys' his 'strong' wife - and listens when she 'taps her watch at dinner' and tells him it is time to leave

Melania Trump is a 'strong personality' who controls Donald Trump, according to the first lady of France.

Brigitte Macron, in a rare interview with Paris Match, described Melania Trump as 'very sweet.' 

'But she keeps a firm hand on her husband,' Macron noted. 'When she taps her watch at dinner, her husband understands that it is time to get up and leave. He obeys. She has a strong personality.'

Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron spent time with the Trumps in 2018 when the American couple visited France. The Trumps had also hosted the Macrons for a state visit that same year.

In the White House, Donald and Melania were known to have separate bedrooms and their own schedules.

But, at social events, the then-president would often look to his wife for clues about behavior - such as when to speak to someone and when to depart.

The then-first lady would also help out with White House operations.

She played a central role during the October 2019 raid to kill ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, joining in on the action in the White House Situation Room and suggesting Donald Trump highlight Conan, the hero military dog, who played a role in the action. 

Her power was more behind the scenes as she rarely spoke in public or gave media interviews.

Brigitte Macron got to see some of the behind-the-scenes action when the Trumps and Macrons exchanged visits in 2018.

The Macrons went to Washington DC in April for an official visit. And Donald Trump and Melania went to France in November to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Brigitte and Melania apppeared to have a good relationship on the ocassions they saw one another. 

They would hug and exchange kisses on the cheek. Both women are stylish and known for their dress sense. 

When Melania was in Paris in 2018, the pair looked pleased to see one another as they kissed cheeks and held hands. 

Melania wore black and Brigitte wore navy blue. 

At the White House state dinner in April 2018, the two had a chance to shine in formal wear.

Melania wore a Chanel black Chantilly lace haute couture gown that had been hand-painted with silver and embroidered with crystal and sequins.

Brigitte wore a Louis Vuitton cream full-length gown with long sleeves and gold brocade detail. 

Donald and Melania spent much of that dinner walking around side-by-side, holding hands. 

But, in recent days, Melania Trump has rarely been seen at Donald Trump's side in public. 

She did join him in New York on Friday for the funeral of his sister, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry.

And she has been seen with her husband inside the confines of their private residences and clubs.

But she has not appeared at his side in his legal battles. The former president faces criminal cases in Florida, Georgia, New York and Washington, DC.

And while Melania Trump has said she supports her husband's bid for a second term in the White House, she hasn't appeared at one of his campaign events in almost a year - not since he announced his 2024 bid at Mar-a-Lago on November 15th, 2022.

Melania was seen over the summer in New York City with her son Barron.