(UPDATE: It appears as though Melania Trump may have lifted parts of her speech from a Michelle Obama speech at the Democratic convention in 2008.)
One the first night of the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump stepped out from the emerald shadows to introduce his wife, Melania, as she made a speech for her husband. “It is my great honor to present the next First Lady of the United States, my wife, an amazing mother, an incredible woman, Melania Trump,” he proudly announced.
On the convention stage, Mrs. Trump graciously thanked all of the primary candidates who ran and lost to her husband. She then hit a bunch of platitudes about how her husband would make a great president because “he never had a hidden agenda when it comes to his patriotism,” he works hard, he passes on opportunities to the next generation, etc. She notably mentioned how ten years ago, she became a US citizen and how Trump would be a great president for “inclusion rather than division.”
“Donald intends to represent all the people, not just some of the people,” Melania says. “That includes Christians and Jews and Muslims. It includes Hispanics and African Americans and Asians and the poor and the middle class.” And she also presented a softer side of Donald Trump, insisting on how “kind and fair and caring” he is and frequently mentioned their son, Baron.
She also thanked the veterans who have fought for American freedom and specifically singled out former senator Bob Dole, also a World War II veteran, who stood up when his name was announced and enjoyed a standing ovation.
Melania also mentioned her home country, Slovenia, which was under Communist rule when she was growing up there. This didn’t stop her mother from introducing Melania to fashion and beauty, however, or from her father for instilling a love for business and travel in her. As a recent New York Times article implies, this may explain Trump’s rise as a model in the United States, her marriage to Donald, and her possible ascent to being the first foreign-born First Lady since Louisa Adams.
And it wouldn’t be a Trump family speech without some Apprentice-like speak. “Donald is and always has been an amazing leader,” says Melania. “Now he will go to work for you.”
UPDATE: New reports show that Melania Trump may have lifted parts of her speech from a Michelle Obama speech in 2008.