Donald Trump recently said that he will “probably” wait until next year to announce whether he intends on running in the 2024 US presidential elections. It may be no coincidence that now, suddenly, Melania Trump is increasing her public appearances and stepping back into the limelight.
Melania addresses the nation
Melania stepped back into her official shoes on Veterans Day and shared a tweet honouring American troops. “We pause to recognise the selfless men and women who have fearlessly protected our nation’s freedoms,” Melania posted on Twitter alongside a video of an American flag blowing in the wind. “They bravely answered the call to serve and have earned the respect that comes with defending our great flag.”
This #VeteransDay, we pause to recognize the selfless men & women who have fearlessly protected our Nation’s freedoms. They bravely answered the call to serve & have earned the respect that comes with defending our great flag. pic.twitter.com/xBt0Do3ADl
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) November 11, 2021
The post came more than a year after it emerged that her husband called Americans who had died in the war “suckers” and “losers”. It emerged soon before he lost his re-election bid.
Melania honoured for her achievements
Melania revealed in November that she was presented with the Spirit of Lincoln Award by the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), a Republican Party organisation which advocates for equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, at their annual gala hosted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club.
She called it a “wonderful evening dedicated to celebrating our nation’s valued principles of equality and diversity for all” on Twitter.
Melania also said thank you to “those who have exemplified a commitment to the LGBT community” and called the event a “beautiful evening celebrating unity”.
It was an honor to join @LogCabinGOP, @RichardGrenell, & Liberty Education Forum for their annual Spirit of Lincoln Gala. Thank you for recognizing my work & for highlighting those who have exemplified a commitment to the LGBT community. A beautiful evening celebrating unity! pic.twitter.com/IAD5njaqTF
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) November 9, 2021
Melania the philanthropist
As first lady, Melania was criticised for not doing enough public charity work. However, she boasted about her own accomplishments via her Be Best initiative in a recent speech likely to raise more than a few eyebrows.
“Through Be Best, I amplified legislation and created awareness campaigns that elevated important issues such as foster care, sickle cell disease, social emotional learning techniques, and neonatal abstinence syndrome,” she told a gala audience.
“Be Best also encouraged individual action, like showing simple acts of kindness, providing care for someone in need, or teaching a life-enriching lesson. When we as adults practice these small deeds, we show our children the positive impact they have within our communities,” said the former US first lady.
Melania flaunts her fans
A year after Donald lost the election to Joe Biden, Melania retweeted a video of LGBTQ+ supporters gushing over her – originally posted by Log Cabin Republicans – although critics dubbed it “cringeworthy”.
Last night, Log Cabin Republicans presented First Lady @MELANIATRUMP with our annual Spirit of Lincoln Award at Mar-a-Lago for her dedication to our principles.
Watch LGBT conservatives explain why the First Lady is a champion and inspiration to our community.
Thank you! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pP3RVarDLH
— Log Cabin Republicans (@LogCabinGOP) November 7, 2021
Melania spoke directly to the community in a gala speech, saying: “You have proven how important this community is in American society – and I am so proud of you.”
Melania continued: “I know at times the world feels like it is full of anger but I want you to stay true to yourself – live your most authentic life – and focus on being the best you can be.”
Melania’s back by Donald’s side
After their last day in office, Melania was pictured making a speedy getaway from Donald and the media as they boarded a plane to Florida, and until recently the last time she was seen in public was July. However, she broke her hiatus on October 30, branching out from her usual dinner appearances at their Mar-a-Lago estate to attend a baseball game with her husband.
Melania and Donald attended the World Series baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros on October 30.
The pair raised eyebrows when they performed the “tomahawk chop” – a popular gesture among Braves fans, however Native Americans have denounced it as a racist insult to their culture and heritage.
Just a few days later she accompanied him as he made a keynote speech at the America First Policy Institute fundraiser.
Note: This story was originally published on SCMP and has been republished on this website.
