Former First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance, speaking at an immigrant naturalization ceremony hosted by the National Archives on December 15, 2023.
The event, marking the Bill of Rights Day, was held in the historic National Archives Rotunda in Washington, D.C., where 25 people from 25 different nations, including countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, among others, were sworn in as new U.S. citizens.
Mrs. Trump, 53, herself a naturalized citizen originally from Slovenia, shared the stage with the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, to deliver remarks at this ceremony.
Her role in this event is noteworthy, given her relatively low public profile since leaving the White House and the ongoing legal controversy involving her husband, former President Donald Trump, and the National Archives.
The National Archives’ conflict with former President Trump traces back to March 2021 over his possession of classified documents post-presidency. This dispute escalated into a Justice Department investigation and an FBI raid, leading to several felony charges against him The charges include alleged violations of the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice, focusing on his refusal to return sensitive documents and efforts to conceal them from prosecutors.
Despite these tensions, Melania Trump’s decision to speak at this event signifies her independent stance, seemingly unaffected by her husband’s legal predicaments. In a statement, her office highlighted her eagerness to share her journey as a naturalized citizen and participate in this momentous occasion for the new American citizens.
