With the publication of my book, Melania and Me: The Rise and

"With the publication of my book, Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady, I have exercised my right to free expression." — Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

In the arena of human experience, where stories are both shared and hidden, there is one force that cannot be suppressed: the right to free expression. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, in the release of her book, speaks to the very essence of freedom—the ability to speak one’s truth, to reveal what has been kept behind closed doors, and to express one’s thoughts, no matter how controversial or painful. In doing so, she invokes a fundamental principle that has resonated through the ages: that expression is not only a right but a sacred responsibility. Free expression is the very breath of liberty, the means by which the soul speaks its truth to the world, even in the face of opposition, even when it risks the fall of personal friendships and public reputations.

Consider the ancient philosophers, who, through their words, often stood against the tides of convention. Socrates’ refusal to remain silent, his willingness to speak truth to power—even at the cost of his own life—embodies the very idea that free expression is the soul’s most vital calling. Socrates’ speech was not simply to share knowledge, but to provoke thought, to challenge the status quo, to engage in the eternal quest for truth. His dialogues—written not in the air but etched in the hearts of those who would listen—remind us that true freedom is found in the ability to speak openly, to express the core of what we know to be true, without fear of repercussion. Wolkoff’s book, then, is a modern manifestation of this ancient right: a declaration of freedom, the act of standing firm in one’s truth and sharing it with the world.

In the context of Wolkoff’s relationship with Melania Trump, her decision to publish the book—telling the story of their friendship and its eventual unraveling—is not merely an act of revelation, but of assertion. She is exercising her freedom in a world where silence can often be the price of survival, where the powerful seek to control the narratives around them. By giving voice to her experiences, Wolkoff reflects a principle long held by the ancients: that truth—no matter how painful or unwelcome—is a cornerstone of personal and societal growth. Just as Homer’s Iliad preserved the complex nature of Achilles and Hector, so too does Wolkoff’s account preserve the intricacies of human connection, even when it speaks to the fragility of loyalty and the tempest of public life.

We are reminded of Cicero, who, in his own era, used his eloquent speeches to challenge the political landscape of Rome. He, too, exercised his right to free expression, using rhetoric to address the corruption he saw around him. Much like Wolkoff, Cicero’s words did not always find favor with those in power, and yet they persisted, becoming part of the enduring record of history. The act of speaking out, especially against those in positions of authority, is never without its consequences, but the consequences of silence—of allowing the truth to be buried—are far more damaging. In revealing the truth of her experiences, Wolkoff continues this tradition of speaking truth to power, an act as old as human civilization itself.

It is, however, not only the right to free expression that Wolkoff invokes, but the power of storytelling itself. Storytelling, in its purest form, is the bridge between one soul and another. It allows us to transcend the walls built by status, wealth, or power, and connect on a deeper level. Wolkoff’s telling of her friendship with Melania Trump is not just a personal account; it is a window into the complexities of relationships, the shifting nature of trust, and the harsh realities of public life. Just as Homer’s epics shared the struggles of heroes and kings, so does Wolkoff’s book explore the trials and triumphs of human connection in a world under constant scrutiny. In this sense, her expression is a legacy, a way of preserving the moments that define us, even when those moments are difficult or controversial.

The lesson that Wolkoff’s words impart is profound: freedom of speech is not merely a right to be wielded for one’s own benefit, but a responsibility to share our truth with the world, even when it is hard to do so. Free expression is the fuel that keeps the engines of progress moving, for without it, we remain trapped in silence and conformity. We must understand that, like Socrates, Cicero, and other great figures of history, we too must speak our truth, even at the risk of discomfort, even at the risk of alienation. To remain silent is to surrender our autonomy, to allow our lives to be shaped by the silence of others rather than by our own voices.

Let this be a call to action: seek the freedom to express your truth, whether in words or deeds. Let no fear of repercussion or judgment silence you. Speak, not from a place of malice or resentment, but from a place of deep understanding, of clarity, and of respect for the power of your voice. As Wolkoff has shown us, the act of speaking one’s truth is not just a personal victory; it is a contribution to the larger conversation that shapes the world. Embrace your voice, for in doing so, you embrace the very essence of what it means to be free.