Nearly two months ago, CNN reached out to Melania Trump's book publisher to request an interview with the former first lady ahead of her upcoming memoir. After several exchanges about a possible interview, the publisher sent an unusual demand last week: an interview would cost $250,000. In an email to CNN, Skyhorse Publishing sent a document labeled, "Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement" that laid out strict terms for an interview and use of material from the book, titled "Melania," due to publish on October 8. On top of that, the agreement stipulated that "CNN shall pay a licensing fee of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000)." CNN did not sign the agreement.
Last month, CNN revealed that the former first lady spoke at two political fundraisers for the Log Cabin Republicans this year, and she was paid $237,500 for an April event, according to former President Donald Trump's latest financial disclosure form. The payment was listed as a "speaking engagement."
Records show Melania Trump was also paid $250,000 for a Log Cabin Republican event in December 2022, one of three payments for $250,000 or more that she received for speaking that month, just after the former president announced he was running for reelection, according to Donald Trump's prior year financial disclosure form ...
Ahead of her memoir's release, Trump has thus far only been interviewed by Fox News, which touted last month's sit-down with Ainsley Earhardt as an exclusive, the first with the former first lady in two years. The interview included what appeared to be old family and personal photographs.
Trump was also interviewed by Fox's Sean Hannity Wednesday evening and has an interview with Maria Bartiromo airing Sunday.
Related: A CNN interview? To be an ally to LGBTQ+ people? Melania Trump seems to need $250K just to show up (www.advocate.com), where the bottom line is: " If all else fails, Melania can host another fundraising event for the Log Cabin Republicans, where she's assured of getting paid her standard fee."
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