Melania Trump made her debut on the campaign trail with a surprise speech at her husband Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced the former first lady, who was welcomed with a loud standing ovation.
"New York City and America needs their magic back," she told the audience after stepping onto the stage.
Courtesy: AFP
Melania, dressed in a black-and-white animal print jacket, spoke briefly for five minutes before introducing the former president. She smiled warmly as he joined her on stage to his signature song, God Bless America.
When they first saw each other on stage, the couple extended their arms toward one another, then hugged and exchanged cheek kisses.
It was an unusual and striking appearance from the former first lady, known for her aversion to politics. While she attended the Republican National Convention, she did not speak, nor did she attend either presidential debate.
Her appearance comes at a time when Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are neck and neck in the polls. It also took place in New York, a city she openly adores.
Melania resides in Trump Tower with their son Barron, who attends New York University. New York was also her home when she first moved to the U.S. as a model.
The former first lady has been promoting her memoir, Melania, along with a new jewelry line.
This was the first time she spoke publicly about her husband’s presidential bid.
Her speech centered more on a hopeful vision for the nation than on 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 seize this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future that we deserve," she added.
Her only reference to her husband’s presidential campaign was at the end: "Please welcome our next commander in chief, my husband, President Donald J Trump."
Melania Trump made no mention of Kamala Harris, her husband’s opponent in the race. Harris spent Sunday making several stops in Philadelphia, a critical battleground state in Pennsylvania.
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