Melania Trump made her first appearance on the campaign trail with a surprise speech at her husband Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden.
The former first lady was introduced by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and left to a standing ovation.
“New York City and America need to get their magic back,” he told the crowd after taking the stage.
Melania, dressed in a black and white animal print jacket, only spoke for five minutes. Then he introduced the former president. She gave him a big smile when she came on stage to her song ‘God Bless America.’
The couple paused, spreading their arms, when they first saw each other on stage. Then they hugged and exchanged kisses on the cheek.
It was an unusual and surprising move by the former first lady, who has made clear her disdain for politics. He attended the Republican National Convention but did not speak. He did not attend any of the presidential debates.
Melania Trump surprised the crowd at Madison Square Garden with her surprise appearance
His appearance comes as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are tied in the polls. And it happened in New York, a city that she says she loves.
He lives in the city’s Trump Tower with the couple’s son, Barron, who attends New York University. New York was her home when she came to the United States as a model.
The former first lady has been promoting her memoir, ‘Melania,’ and a new jewelry line. This was the first time she had spoken about her husband’s candidacy for president.
His speech focused more on a vision of the country and less on politics.
“Imagine a wonderful America where the seeds of security, prosperity and health are sown once again for the benefit of our families,” he said.
‘Let us carry together a shared vision that is based on American greatness. Let’s dimension this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future we deserve,’ he added.
Her only mention of her husband’s presidential campaign came at the end: “Please welcome our next commander in chief, my husband, President Donald J. Trump.”
Melania Trump did not mention Kamala Harris, her husband’s rival for the White House. Harris spent Sunday making multiple stops in Philadelphia, in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Melania Trump introduced her husband Donald Trump
Elon Musk introduced Melania
‘We love you,’ the crowd told Melania Trump
Donald Trump organized the rally in the largest and best-known venue in his hometown, New York. The 20,000-seat Madison Square Garden was packed to capacity.
Other speakers included well-known conservatives such as his running mate JD Vance, Dr. Phil McGraw and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
New York hasn’t voted for a Republican for president in 40 years. But Donald Trump has insisted he can win the state.
As for Melania, the crowd was delighted to see her.
‘We love you,’ a fan shouted.
“I love you too,” Melania replied.