Melania calls Trump 'sir' at home, president reveals at Texas rally while campaigning for Ken Paxton

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

President Trump surprised the crowd at a San Antonio rally on Wednesday by disclosing that Melania uses "sir" when speaking to him at home — the same form of address his staff use — rather than his name or a term of endearment. The revelation emerged as Trump fumbled through a story about her correcting his pronunciation of "vegan," quoting her as saying: "Sir, you have to do me a favour — it's not vay-gun, it's vegan." He then called out from the stage: "See, Melania? I got that right."

Trump has previously said he calls Melania "first lady" at home because it reminds him that he is president.

The rally was Trump's fourth visit to Texas in six weeks, where he is backing Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who polls show trailing Democrat James Talarico by up to six points.

Social media users ridiculed the disclosure, with one asking whether Melania addresses him that way when she presents him with an invoice.