Melania Trump makes rare appearance during naturalization ceremony
Former First Lady Melania Trump doesn't get out much, which helps protect her family from the inevitable onslaught of nastiness.
But according to the Associated Press, she recently made a surprise -- and rare -- public appearance on Friday at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives.
She reportedly stressed the importance of "guarding our freedom" as she spoke to a group of the United States' newest, legal citizens.
Melania Trump is the only first lady to be a naturalized U.S. citizen, having been born in Slovenia and moving to the United States in 1996 to pursue her ultra-successful modeling career.
What did she say?
Melania aimed to inspire the group of new U.S. citizens.
A fellow LEGAL immigrant to America.
She is proud to be a citizen.
Because she knows what a blessing it is to become an American. #MelaniaTrump
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) December 16, 2023
"How fortunate to be with the naturalizing individuals and their families as they recite the Oath of Allegiance and become Americans before our great nation’s founding documents," the former first lady said.
USA Today noted:
In front of 25 individuals poised to become citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives, Trump said she felt a "sunrise of certainty" after completing a difficult immigration process that opened her eyes to the “harsh realities people face.”
She also reminded the group of the responsibilities that come with becoming a U.S. citizen.
"It means actively participating in the democratic process and guarding our freedom," the former first lady said. "It is a life-altering experience that takes time, determination and sometimes even tremendous strength."
Harsh realities
Melania Trump gave the group of new citizens an idea of the harsh realities she faced upon coming to the United States, including the difficult process of becoming a legal citizen.
"It wasn't until I moved to New York City in 1996 that the system truly tested my determination,” she said. “Upon my arrival, I immediately knew that I wanted to make the United States my permanent home with a goal of securing a worker visa."
She added, "My dream of becoming a citizen pushed me to meticulously gather every last piece of information required, ensuring that no detail was overlooked."
Though Melania Trump hasn't been active on Donald Trump's 2024 campaign trail, the former president has hinted on several occasions that she'll be out there when the time is right.
