Melania Trump, the former first lady, attended a high-profile fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside her husband, Donald Trump, sparking diverse reactions on social media.
The event, hosted by billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, was aimed at raising funds for Donald Trump's 2024 re-election campaign, with tickets priced at $250,000 each, as reported by the Daily Mail.
At the gathering, Melania Trump was seen wearing a pink jumpsuit adorned with a tropical-themed design, attracting attention for her fashion choice. However, a particular video showing Melania Trump appearing distant and uneasy while standing beside Donald Trump as he delivered a speech has led to speculation and concern among social media users on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Several users commented on her demeanor, with some suggesting she looked like a "hostage" and expressing worry for her well-being. MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski, for example, remarked, "Melania looks like she's in a hostage video tonight. Blink twice if you need help," highlighting the concern shared by some observers. Other comments touched on her physical appearance, noting she looked "miserably unhappy" and possibly underweight.
In contrast, there were also social media users who praised Melania Trump's appearance, highlighting her enduring beauty and style, with remarks such as "Melania Trump's dress is very interesting. She's beautiful as always!" and "Melania could wear a paper bag and look beautiful."
Despite these mixed reactions, Melania Trump's participation in the event marks a notable increase in her public visibility after largely staying out of the spotlight since the Trumps left the White House in 2021. According to Politico, Melania Trump is also scheduled to headline a fundraiser for the conservative LGBTQ group Log Cabin Republicans, set to take place at the Trumps' Mar-a-Lago resort on April 20.
To date, Melania Trump has made only two formal public appearances in support of her husband's 2024 presidential campaign: attending the campaign launch in November 2022 and accompanying Donald Trump to cast her ballot in the Florida presidential primary last month. When asked about her future involvement in campaign events, Melania Trump hinted at an increased presence, telling a reporter, "Stay tuned."
For starters, former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) launched their major general election fundraising efforts with a high-profile event in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday.
The gathering, hosted by billionaire John Paulson, marked a significant step in rallying financial support for Trump, the GOP's presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential election. This event saw the participation of major donors, encompassing both staunch supporters of Trump and newcomers to his fundraising circle.
The fundraiser, which reportedly amassed over $50 million for the Trump campaign and the RNC, was notable for being the second public appearance of former First Lady Melania Trump alongside her husband during this election cycle. The last occasion was during Florida's primary election day when the couple was seen at a polling location in Palm Beach.
Organizers claimed that the Palm Beach event's earnings surpassed the $26 million raised during a fundraiser hosted by President Joe Biden with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in New York the previous weekend.
This influx of funds is particularly crucial for Trump and the RNC as they aim to bridge the significant financial gap with the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee, which reportedly had a $190 million war chest at the beginning of April, compared to Trump and the RNC's $100 million.
Danielle Alvarez, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, highlighted the event's success, contrasting it with the Democratic fundraising effort, "It took three Democrat presidents to raise $25 million and one president to raise over $50 million, Donald J. Trump," she stated.
Before entering the event, Trump addressed the press, emphasizing the significance of the evening's fundraising success. "This has been some incredible evening before it even starts because people wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again," he remarked, underlining the importance of the upcoming November Election Day.
The fundraiser, with tickets priced above $800,000 per donor, benefited not only the Trump campaign and the RNC but also numerous state GOP committees and Trump's Save America leadership PAC. The latter has been instrumental in covering a substantial portion of Trump's legal expenses, according to financial disclosures.
The event boasted a roster of influential co-chairs, including several former Trump administration officials and prominent figures in business and sports. Among them were former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon, former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, and a host of others, as per an invitation obtained by ABC News.
Paulson expressed his satisfaction with the fundraiser's outcome, "Tonight, we raised an historic $50.5 million for the re-election of President Trump," he told ABC News. "This sold-out event has raised the most in a single political fundraiser in history. This overwhelming support demonstrates the enthusiasm for President Trump and his policies."
Meanwhile, President Biden criticized the exclusive nature of Trump's fundraiser in a video shared on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Biden thanked grassroots donors for their support and contrasted his campaign's fundraising approach with Trump's event, which he described as catered towards "a bunch of hedge fund billionaires."
