According to CNN, in a rare public appearance, former first lady Melania Trump spoke candidly on Friday about her personal experience becoming a U.S. citizen and the challenges she faced navigating the complex immigration system. The event took place during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, where 25 immigrants were poised to be sworn in as U.S. citizens.
Melania Trump, a Slovenian-born citizen who became a U.S. citizen in 2006, lauded the individuals embarking on the journey to citizenship and empathetically outlined the obstacles they face. Her speech did not make any mention of her husband, former President Donald Trump, who had advocated for strict immigration policies during his tenure and has expressed intentions for a 2024 presidential run with a focus on similar policies.
Reflecting on her own immigration experience, Melania Trump shared the difficulties of navigating immigration law, conducting research, and assembling the necessary paperwork. She emphasized the arduous path to citizenship, describing it as a “labyrinth of organizing paperwork.”
The former first lady’s appearance at the National Archives occurred nearly two years after the agency requested the Justice Department to investigate her husband’s handling of White House records. This investigation led to an indictment of the former president, who faces 37 federal charges. The trial is scheduled to commence in Florida in May.
Despite these legal challenges, a source close to Donald Trump asserted his support for Melania’s participation in the event. Melania Trump’s interaction with U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan during the visit indicated a personal connection, as Shogan had invited her to speak at the ceremony. The two had previously collaborated on projects during Melania Trump’s tenure as first lady.
Melania Trump, who has largely maintained a low public profile since leaving Washington in January 2021, accepted the invitation to speak as an “honor.” While her public appearances have been infrequent, she recently participated in a traditional former first lady role by attending a memorial service for the late Rosalynn Carter alongside current first lady Jill Biden and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton.
Despite her limited public presence, Melania Trump’s support for her husband’s political ambitions remains evident. In a May interview with Fox News, she expressed her support for Donald Trump’s decision to run for president again, emphasizing their commitment to “restoring hope for the future and leading America with love and strength.” However, she has been notably absent from her husband’s campaign events and court appearances, with sources indicating that her focus remains on their son, Barron. Donald Trump has hinted at her potential involvement in campaign activities in the future, citing her desire for privacy amid the often contentious nature of politics.
