Melania Trump makes rare appearance at Republican National Convention

The former first lady's convention debut comes after her notable absence during the first three days of the RNC.

Melania Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 18, as the GOP rallied behind her husband, Donald Trump. Her convention debut comes after her notable absence during the first three days of the RNC.

The first lady only joined the Trumps in the auditorium for the lead-up to Donald's speech at the end of the program. Off-stage, she was photographed standing behind her husband while he signed his official nomination paperwork.

Melania Trump has been absent for much of her husband's third presidential campaign, which he launched in November 2022. When asked whether she would make more campaign trail appearances, she simply responded, "Stay tuned."

For months, sources have told PEOPLE that Melania has attempted to remove herself from her husband's political appearances, particularly amid his Manhattan criminal trial. "It is not comfortable for her," one source told PEOPLE last year.

However, following the assassination attempt on the former president, Melania released one of her most prominent public statements since her husband left office in 2021, calling for a world where "respect is paramount, family is first, and love transcends."