Melania Trump has reportedly turned down multiple requests to speak at the 2024 Republican National Convention, a significant departure from the expected role of a candidate’s spouse addressing the gathering.
On Thursday evening, Melania chose a silent presence as Donald Trump accepted the GOP nomination, clad in a MAGA-red dress alongside her family. This decision marks a clear contrast to her prominent speeches at the 2016 and 2020 conventions, where she vocally supported her husband’s candidacy.
Sources close to Melania revealed to CNN that she declined to speak at the convention, despite persistent urging from Donald Trump and several of his allies. This decision highlights a noticeable distancing from her husband’s political endeavors.
Since leaving the White House in 2021, Melania has noticeably withdrawn from accompanying Donald Trump to rallies and speeches, and notably did not attend any day of his recent legal proceedings in New York. She has kept public statements about her husband sparse, with exceptions such as addressing a recent assassination attempt.
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In 2016, Melania faced intense scrutiny when reporters realized her speech appeared to have been directly taken from Michelle Obama’s 2016 Democratic National Convention speech. It was an embarrassing moment for Melania as it was her first major step into the political spotlight alongside her husband.
But in 2020, Melania delivered a long speech addressing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, unlike Trump.
It’s unclear if the former first lady will make more appearances on the campaign trail now that her husband is the official Republican nominee.
