Melania Trump, an immigrant herself, shared her journey to U.S. citizenship when she welcomed 25 newly naturalized citizens on Dec. 15 at the U.S. National Archives’ rotunda. The event had a rich patriotic connection as it was held in the presence of documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, all preserved and displayed at the National Archives museum in Washington.
Speaking to the new citizens, Mrs. Trump expressed how it was her privilege to share the greatness of America with them. She encouraged them to be a beacon of inspiration for their children and future generations while enriching the fabric of the nation with their contributions. Mrs. Trump’s appearance at the ceremony comes at a time when the legal immigration process and the issue of immigration overall have come under increased scrutiny.
She made this rare public appearance after being invited by the National Archives, the agency involved in a dispute with her husband that led to the FBI’s August 2022 raid of the Trumps’ Florida home. The couple faced controversy when records with classified markings were found, leading to accusations that he mishandled those documents, but he has denied any wrongdoing.
Mrs. Trump, who stood by her husband during his third presidential run, had been largely absent from campaign activities and has kept a low profile compared to many other first ladies. During the ceremony, Mrs. Trump urged the new citizens to play an active role in America’s democratic process and to guard the freedom they hold so dear, a message that resonated with the theme of the event, which was held in conjunction with the National Archives’ annual commemoration of Bill of Rights Day.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Trump’s immigration history was called into question when news outlets reported that she earned about $20,000 in modeling jobs shortly before she obtained a visa to work in the United States. However, during the ceremony, there was no hint of controversy as the new citizens posed for photos with Mrs. Trump and Judge Elizabeth Gunn, who administered the oath of citizenship.
The newly naturalized Americans hailed from 25 different countries, and the event coincided with the celebration of Bill of Rights Day, which is observed annually on Dec. 15. The occasion serves as a day of remembrance for the democratic process by which these rights were gained, as noted by the National Archives in a press release.
As the ceremony concluded, the new citizens were greeted with warm wishes from Mrs. Trump as they embarked on their life-altering journey as Americans. Considering Mrs. Trump’s own journey to becoming a U.S. citizen, her message undoubtedly resonated deeply with those present at the event.
