Melania Trump, introduced by husband Donald, introduces herself to GOP, nation
Donald Trump made his first appearance at the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday night, to introduce his wife, Melania Trump. It was a dramatic entrance, aided by the European glam-rock group Queen:
Trump called his wife "an amazing mother, an incredible woman," and Melania Trump returned the compliment, calling him "an amazing leader" who is kind and "intensely loyal" to his friends, families, and employees. She also took a moment to honor Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), the only living Republican presidential nominee to attend Trump's convention. But because Donald Trump is already pretty well-known, she spent much of her speech introducing herself, from her childhood in Slovenia through her modeling career and finally her relationship with Trump.
"I am fortunate for my heritage but also for where it brought me today," she said, calling her American citizenship — she was naturalized in 2006, a year after marrying Trump — "the greatest privilege on planet Earth." Her parents, she said, instilled in her values like "you work hard for what you want in life." She said that as first lady, her focus would be "helping children and women."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Melania Trump said that her husband wants to represent "all the people, not just some of the people," including Jews, Muslims, Hispanics, the poor, and the middle class, and said that he thinks big: "No room for small thinking. No room for small results." Touching on the security theme of the night, she said, "If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I assure you, he's the guy," and previewed the fight against Hillary Clinton: "It would not be a Trump contest without excitement and drama."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published