Former first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday after not appearing during the convention’s first three days.
Melania Trump’s appearance also broke a decades-long tradition seen at the RNC, as former President Donald Trump’s wife chose to not speak at the event.
Melania Trump’s Entrance at the RNC
After missing the convention’s first few days, Melania Trump finally arrived at the RNC and had a grand entrance, to boot. She walked out to classical music, to which the crowd applauded.
However, this is where she also broke with tradition — as she headed straight to her seat instead of choosing to speak.
Melania Trump Broke With Tradition
For 30 years, an RNC tradition has seen the presidential nominee’s spouse speak at the event. Former first lady Barbara Bush began this tradition back in 1992 when she gave a speech for her husband.
Since then, every nominee’s spouse has subsequently done the same, keeping the tradition alive. Melania Trump has decided to not give a speech this year.
Melania Trump’s Other RNC Speeches
Interestingly, Trump’s spouse has chosen to speak at other RNC events in the past. In 2016, Melania Trump spoke at the convention. This speech made headlines after it seemingly plagiarized a 2008 speech by former first lady Michelle Obama.
However, Melania Trump also gave a speech at the convention in 2020.
Why Didn’t She Speak?
So far, there hasn’t been any clarification about why Melania Trump chose not to speak at the RNC.
Considering this tradition has been ongoing for 30 years, many have questioned this decision.
The Trumps at the RNC
Both Melania and Donald Trump attended the RNC alongside one another on Thursday. A photo op between husband and wife also occurred as Trump signed the documents to officially become the GOP’s nominee for president this year.
This photo op came after Melania Trump didn’t attend any of the RNC’s first three days of the event, even though her husband and family have been seen in attendance.
Trump Acknowledges His Wife
During Trump’s speech where he officially accepted the GOP nomination, he did acknowledge his “amazing wife, Melania.”
Trump further praised his wife’s statement that she put out after he was shot during one of his rallies in Pennsylvania this past weekend.
Trump Praises Wife’s Statement
In his speech, Trump took the time to praise the lengthy statement that his wife had released, saying it was a beautiful letter to America.
“Melania, thank you very much, you also did something really beautiful, a letter to America calling for national unity, and it really took the Republican Party by surprise, I will tell you, it was beautiful,” Trump stated. “In fact, some very serious people said we should take that letter and put it as part of the Republican platform. That would be an honor, right?”
A Statement After the Shooting
After her husband survived a shooting attempt, Melania Trump released a statement explaining how she felt, as well as calling for unity in the country.
She wrote, “A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration.”
Melania Trump’s Absence From the Campaign Trail
Melania Trump’s decision to not speak at the RNC event comes after many analysts have pointed out that she has largely been absent from the campaign trail as Trump vies to return to the White House.
Melania Trump also hasn’t been seen at any of her husband’s legal trials over the past few years. She also didn’t appear at Trump’s debate against President Joe Biden.
Rare Appearances
Though Melania Trump didn’t appear at many of Trump’s campaign stops, she wasn’t completely absent.
She did host two different fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans, an organization that represents LGBTQ+ conservatives and allies. These events occurred in New York and Florida.
Melania Trump in the White House
Melania Trump’s absence from the campaign trail has caused many analysts to wonder what her role will be as first lady if her husband indeed returns to the White House.
Some reporting has gone as far as to suggest that Trump’s spouse won’t be living in the White House full-time, as is often seen.
