After the attack on the Capitol that shook the entire country last week, Melania Trump has been unusually quiet. Then on Monday she openly condemned a group of her husband’s supporters for their actions saying she was “disappointed and disheartened” by the violence.
In a statement released by the White House, the First Lady says, “I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week. Our Nation must heal in a civil manner. Make no mistake about it, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our Nation’s Capitol. Violence is never acceptable.”
“I pray for their families’ comfort and strength during this difficult time,” Melania said.
The first lady has mostly kept her opinion to herself about Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud but mirrored his statements on ensuring that every single legal vote would be counted. She also has not publicly acknowledged Joe Biden’s victory.
Melania says in her statement that it “has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your first lady.”
“I want to thank the millions of Americans who supported my husband and me over the past 4 years and shown the incredible impact of the American spirit,” she continued. “I am grateful to you all for letting me serve you on platforms which are dear to me.”
Melania also addressed the “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attack, and false misleading accusations on me- from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda.” This may be a reference to a CNN report citing a source claiming the first lady had been attending a photoshoot during the riots.