Former First Lady Melania Trump on Nov. 6 issued the first statement since her husband, President-elect and former President Donald Trump, beat Vice President Kamala Harris.
Melania Trump, who served as first lady from 2017 through 2021, added: “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.
She then introduced Trump as “our next commander-in-chief.”
Melania Trump did take the stage with her husband, son, Barron Trump, other family members, and supporters including golfer Bryce 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.
Following Frances Cleveland, Grover Cleveland’s wife, Melania Trump will become the second first lady to serve nonconsecutive terms.
During her 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.