Melania Trump Absent from Donald's Court Proceedings as He's Arraigned on Criminal Charges in N.Y.C.

As Donald Trump was arraigned in New York City Tuesday afternoon to answer to unprecedented criminal charges, his wife, Melania Trump, was notably absent.

The former U.S. president, 76, surrendered to authorities at the Manhattan Criminal Court after he was indicted on a reported 34 felony counts, seemingly entering the courthouse — and soon after entering a not guilty plea — without loved ones at his side.

Trump traveled from Mar-a-Lago to New York City on Monday in anticipation of his court surrender with his son, Eric Trump, though it remains unclear who all else may have been on board the jet.

Melania, who traveled to New York and stood by her husband's side at his ex-wife Ivana's funeral last year, was not seen with him this time around, leading many to wonder if she stayed back in Mar-a-Lago.

The former first lady was also seemingly absent from Trump's Tuesday night speech at Mar-a-Lago, during which he lashed out at the legal proceedings, calling it "a persecution, not an investigation."

Tuesday night's speech at Mar-a-Lago was planned in advance, with an invitation email sent to members of the exclusive Palm Beach club on Monday. "We look forward to hosting you for this memorable and historic evening!" the invite said. Members were told to wear business attire at the event, which was titled "President Donald J. Trump for Remarks at The Mar-a-Lago Club."

Ahead of the indictment last week, a source told PEOPLE that Melania, 52, "is leading her own life" and "still feels happy" at Mar-a-Lago, but noted that she "remains angry and doesn't want to hear" about the alleged $130,000 in hush money her husband paid adult film star Stormy Daniels, 44, which ultimately contributed to the charges against him.

Angry or not, an inside source told PEOPLE over the weekend that Melania will continue to be there for her husband. "They weren't expecting [the indictment], but Melania will support him," the insider said. "That's what she does. They are a family."

"She is aware of who her husband is and keeps her life upbeat with her own family and a few close friends," one of the insiders added, explaining that Melania is focused on parenting their 17-year-old son, Barron Trump.