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."
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.
-
Today's political cartoons - December 21, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - losing it, pedal to the metal, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Three fun, festive activities to make the magic happen this Christmas Day
Inspire your children to help set the table, stage a pantomime and write thank-you letters this Christmas!
By The Week Junior Published
-
The best books of 2024 to give this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Percival Everett to Rachel Clarke these are the critics' favourite books from 2024
By The Week UK Published
-
Putin says Russia isn't weakened by Syria setback
Speed Read Russia had been one of the key backers of Syria's ousted Assad regime
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Georgia DA Fani Willis removed from Trump case
Speed Read Willis had been prosecuting the election interference case against the president-elect
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats blame 'President Musk' for looming shutdown
Speed Read The House of Representatives rejected a spending package that would've funding the government into 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump, Musk sink spending bill, teeing up shutdown
Speed Read House Republicans abandoned the bill at the behest of the two men
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress reaches spending deal to avert shutdown
Speed Read The bill would fund the government through March 14, 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism
Speed Read Magnione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about Bidens
Speed Read Alexander Smirnov claimed that President Joe Biden and his son Hunter were involved in a bribery scheme with Ukrainian energy company Burisma
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
South Korea impeaches president, eyes charges
Speed Read Yoon Suk Yeol faces investigations on potential insurrection and abuse of power charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published