Melania Trump made her first appearance on the campaign trail with a surprise speech at husband Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden.
The former first lady was introduced by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and came out to a roaring standing ovation.
‘New York City and America needs their magic back,’ she told the crowd after she took the stage.
Melania, wearing a black-and-white animal print jacket, only spoke for five minutes. She then introduced the former president. She gave him a big smile as he took the stage to his signature song ‘God Bless America.’
The couple paused, holding their arms out to one another, when they first saw each other on the stage. They then hugged and exchanged kisses on the cheek.
It was a rare and stunning move from the former first lady, who has been clear about her disdain of politics. She went to the Republican National Convention but didn’t speak. She did not attend either presidential debate.
Melania Trump stunned the crowd at Madison Square Garden when she made a surprise appearance
Her appearance comes as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are running at a dead heat in the polls. And it happened in New York, a city she professes to love.
She lives in Trump Tower in the city with the couple’s son Barron, who attends New York University. New York was her home when she came to America as a model.
The former first lady has been touting her memoir, ‘Melania,’ and a new jewelry line. This was her first time speaking about her husband’s candidacy for president.
Her speech was focused more on a vision for the country and less about politics.
‘Envision a wonderful America where the seeds of security, prosperity and health are sown once again for benefit of our families,’ she said.
‘Let us charge together with a shared vision that builds on American greatness. Let’s size this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future that we deserve,’ she 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 husband Donald Trump
Elon Musk introduced Melania
‘We love you,’ the crowd told Melania Trump
Donald Trump arranged the rally at the biggest, most well-known venue in his hometown of New York. The 20,000 Madison Square Garden was packed to the gills.
Other speakers included well-known conservatives like his running mate J.D. Vance, Dr. Phil McGraw and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Some of the speakers made crude and racist insults toward Harris.
Trump´s childhood friend David Rem referred to Harris as ‘the Antichrist’ and ‘the devil.’ Businessman Grant Cardone told the crowd that Harris ‘and her pimp handlers will destroy our country.’
New York has not voted for a Republican for president in 40 years. But Donald Trump has insisted he can win the state.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump greet one another on stage
Elon Musk and Melania Trump listen to Donald Trump’s remarks
As for Melania, the crowd was just thrilled to see her.
‘We love you,’ a fan yelled to her.
‘I love you too,’ Melania replied.
