The former first lady rarely appeared on the campaign trail.
Former First Lady Melania Trump on Nov. 6 issued the first statement since her husband, President-elect Donald Trump, beat Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The majority of Americans have entrusted us with this important responsibility,” Melania Trump, who served as first lady from 2017 through 2021, wrote on social media. “We will safeguard the heart of our republic—freedom. I anticipate the citizens of our nation rejoining in commitment to each other and rising above ideology for the sake of individual liberty, economic prosperity, and security.
“American energy, skill, and initiative will bring together our best minds to propel our nation forward forevermore.”
The 54-year-old, a native of Slovenia, rarely appeared on the campaign trail as her husband sought a second term following his win in 2016 and loss in 2020.
In one of her rare appearances, Melania Trump told a crowd at New York’s Madison Square Garden in October that “New York City and America need their magic back.”
She said: “Let us charge together with a shared vision that builds on American greatness. Let’s seize this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future that we deserve.”
She then introduced Trump as “our next commander-in-chief.”
Melania Trump took the stage with her husband; their son, Barron Trump; other family members; and supporters, including golfer Bryson DeChambeau, on early Nov. 5 as the former president declared victory.
After Trump thanked several people, he said: “I also want to thank my beautiful wife, Melania.
“She has done a great job. Works very hard, works very hard to help people. So I just want to thank her.”
Melania Trump did not speak during the event.
Trump will be just the second president in American history to win the presidency after losing an initial attempt for reelection. Grover Cleveland lost his reelection bid but won a second, nonconsecutive term in 1892.
During her husband’s first term, Melania Trump promoted a campaign called Be Best against bullying and for childhood mental and physical health.
“Over the past two years, Be Best has played a major role in spreading awareness, highlighting successful programs and acts of kindness, and encouraging public-private sector relationships to help children overcome the struggles they face every day,” she said as the Trump administration ended.
The Trump administration will, in January 2025, have a different second lady than the first time around. Vice President-elect JD Vance was brought on board as Trump’s running mate in July, along with his wife, Usha Vance, a lawyer. Former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was Trump’s vice president during his term in office, and Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, was the second lady.