In her first television interview in over two years, former First Lady Melania Trump offered sharp criticism of the Biden-Harris administration, suggesting that the country is facing numerous challenges under their leadership. Speaking with "Fox & Friends" co-host Ainsley Earhardt, Melania directly addressed the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party's nominee, while contrasting the current administration with her husband's tenure in the White House.
"The country is suffering," Melania said, highlighting key issues such as inflation, economic instability, and open border concerns. "People are not able to buy usual necessities for their families. We have wars going on around the world. Soldiers are dying, and they were dying under this administration because of weak leadership." She continued, "A lot of fentanyl is coming over, killing our youth. It's very hard to see."
Melania's comments come as Harris faces speculation about taking over the Democratic nomination ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Though she stopped short of directly criticizing either Biden or Harris by name, the former First Lady made clear that she believes their record in office speaks for itself.
Melania emphasized the differences between her husband's time in office and the current administration, pointing to the absence of major wars and the economic prosperity many Americans experienced under Donald Trump's leadership. "If we compare these four years under this administration to four years under my husband as commander in chief, he was leading the country through peace through strength. The border was safer than ever before. We didn't have any wars. People were prospering, they had jobs, and they could support their families," she remarked.
Melania also urged voters to think critically about the upcoming election, adding, "I think the American people need to decide what they really want. Maybe some strong tweets, but everything else was great for this country."
During the interview, Melania also reflected on her time as First Lady, discussing the challenges she faced being in the public eye, especially under the intense scrutiny that came with her husband's presidency. "Nothing prepared me more to be First Lady in front of the world than the fashion industry," she said, recounting how her past work helped her develop the "thick skin" needed for her role.
Melania is preparing for the release of her new memoir, "Melania," which delves into her personal life, her time in the White House, and her reflections on the Trump presidency. In the interview, she shared a glimpse into her personal life, describing her relationship with Donald Trump and discussing their son, Barron.
Melania also opened up about two assassination attempts on her husband's life. In a chilling recount of the events, she shared her emotions during the first attempt, which occurred at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots, wounding the former president in the ear. "I ran to the TV and I [rewound] it and I watched it," she said. "Nobody really knew what had happened at that moment."
She also discussed a second close call that occurred just two months later at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The alleged gunman, Ryan Routh, was apprehended before he could fire. Reflecting on the incidents, Melania credited the Secret Service for their "fantastic" work, adding, "Both of the events were really miracles."
While Melania steered clear of making direct political endorsements in her interview, she remains steadfast in her support for her husband's agenda and his desire to make a return to the White House. "All he wants to do, as he says, is make America great again," she asserted. "He wants to make this country prosperous and safe for everybody. He wants to make the American dream possible again."
Melania's memoir, set to be released next month, is expected to provide deeper insights into her thoughts on her husband's time in office, her personal experiences, and her outlook on the future.
As speculation mounts regarding Kamala Harris's potential candidacy in 2024, Melania's remarks come at a critical time for the Biden-Harris administration. With public confidence wavering and the challenges facing the U.S. becoming increasingly pressing, Harris's next moves could shape the Democratic Party's future. For Melania, however, the message is clear: "The American people will decide, but the country needs strong leadership."
This interview serves as a reminder that, despite stepping out of the public eye for an extended period, Melania Trump remains an influential voice in the political landscape as her husband ramps up his efforts for a 2024 presidential bid.
