In an unusual public appearance on December 15, Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, shared the challenges she faced on her journey to U.S. citizenship while welcoming 25 newly naturalized citizens. Speaking at the U.S. National Archives’ rotunda, Melania expressed her privilege in sharing the nation with the new citizens, highlighting the significance of the location in the presence of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents.
EXCLUSIVE: Former first lady Melania Trump will speak to new American citizens on Friday about the “responsibility” of citizenship and the importance of “guarding our freedom” during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives. MELANIATRUMP. Brooke Singman
The ceremony took place at the Archives’ museum in Washington, amplifying the symbolism of the event. Melania Trump, rarely seen in the public eye recently, took this opportunity to address the new citizens, emphasizing the importance of actively participating in the democratic process and contributing to society.
U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan introduced Melania Trump as “the only first lady in American history who was also a naturalized citizen.” Shogan underscored the significance of Melania’s understanding of the naturalization ceremony, considering her own journey to becoming an American citizen. Melania’s approach to the ceremony demonstrated a deep respect for the process and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
Melania Trump today at the National Archive’s Naturalization ceremony.
First Lady.
Legal immigrant.
ALL class. pic.twitter.com/DxVns71y5z
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) December 15, 2023
Melania Trump refrained from delving into the political controversies surrounding immigration policies, particularly those implemented by her husband’s successor. Instead, she focused on encouraging the new citizens, who hailed from 25 different countries, to embrace their roles as Americans by actively participating in democracy and safeguarding freedom.
Describing the naturalization process as “life-altering,” Melania acknowledged the determination required to navigate the labyrinth of legal paperwork. Drawing from her personal experience, she explained how her Slovenian parents influenced her fashion and modeling career and how moving to New York City in 1996 tested her determination to become a naturalized citizen.
Melania Trump, resident of Mar-a-Lago, where thousands of classified documents the National Archives sought after Trump left office, is the National Archives honored guest speaker today at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens- federal agency giving Trump’s campaign a boost. Outspoken
Melania Trump hired a lawyer to navigate the intricate legalities, especially considering the less-developed information technology landscape at the time. This legal support facilitated her journey to naturalization in 2006. Despite the numerous challenges, Melania expressed that the rewards were worth the effort and applauded the new citizens for their steps, overcoming obstacles, and sacrifices.
VIDEO: First Lady Melania Trump’s full speech from today’s Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/shupTNbz1j
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) December 15, 2023
While Melania Trump’s journey was mostly praised during the ceremony, some news outlets have previously raised questions about her immigration history. In 2016, The Associated Press reported that Melania earned about $20,000 in modeling jobs shortly before receiving a visa to work in the United States. Melania has consistently maintained that she followed all immigration laws and adhered to the terms of her immigration status.
During the ceremony, there was no mention of this controversy. Instead, the focus remained on the joyous occasion of welcoming 25 individuals from diverse backgrounds as newly minted Americans. The new citizens smiled as they posed for photos with Melania Trump, U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan, and Judge Elizabeth Gunn, who administered the oath of citizenship.
Former first lady Melania Trump delivered remarks Friday at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington. ABC News
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The ceremony coincided with the Archives’ annual celebration of Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. This day serves as a reminder of the democratic and peaceful actions that secured these fundamental rights, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated December 15 as such in 1941. The National Archives highlighted the enduring importance of the Bill of Rights in guaranteeing freedoms of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for redress of grievances for 232 years.
Major Points Discussed:
- Melania Trump, former First Lady, shared her challenging path to U.S. citizenship during a rare public appearance on December 15 at the U.S. National Archives’ rotunda.
- Speaking to 25 newly naturalized citizens, Melania emphasized the privilege of sharing the nation and encouraged active participation in the democratic process and societal contributions.
- U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan introduced Melania as the only first lady in U.S. history who was also a naturalized citizen, highlighting the significance of her understanding of the naturalization ceremony.
- Melania refrained from discussing controversial immigration policies and instead focused on her own experience, describing the naturalization process as “life-altering” and requiring determination.
- The ceremony, attended by citizens from 25 different countries, coincided with the Archives’ celebration of Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Comments – Threads – Links
- Former first lady Melania Trump stressed the importance of “guarding our freedom” and the responsibilities that accompany American citizenship as she spoke Friday at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives. NEWSMAX
- Former first lady Melania Trump will deliver remarks during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington on Friday. During the event 25 immigrants will be sworn in as US citizens. Freyja™
- Breaking News: Melania Trump to welcome new citizens to America in rare appearance at naturalization ceremony today | Daily Mail Online. The TRUMP PAGE
- Donald Trump isn’t exactly on great terms with the National Archives — but that didn’t stop them from inviting Melania Trump to speak at an immigrant naturalization ceremony today. POLITICO
- Melania Trump poses with newly sworn citizens following a Naturalization Ceremony. She stayed and took pictures with each newly sworn citizen. FLOTUS Report