Former First Lady Melania Trump, a naturalized US citizen herself, made a rare public appearance emphasizing the significance of "guarding our freedom" and the responsibilities tied to
American citizenship. Speaking at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives, Melania recounted her own journey to citizenship, starting with a worker visa upon arriving in New York City as a model from Slovenia.
She highlighted the honor of witnessing individuals and their families take the Oath of Allegiance, becoming Americans amidst the backdrop of the nation's founding documents. The ceremony, hosted at the National Archives, holds particular significance given its association with ongoing legal matters involving her husband, former President Donald Trump.
The Archives' connection to pending criminal cases, including an investigation into mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice, contrasts with Melania's message of citizenship's importance and responsibilities. Despite her public appearance, Melania has yet to actively join her husband's campaign for the 2024 GOP nomination.
Emphasizing the weight of citizenship, Melania underscored the need for active participation in democracy and safeguarding freedom. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's campaign for the White House includes promises of stringent immigration policies, including reviving the travel ban, implementing "ideological screening," and potentially limiting birthright citizenship.
The ceremony witnessed 25 individuals from 25 nations taking the Oath of Allegiance, an event steeped in significance amidst the backdrop of America's foundational documents, including the Constitution. Photo by Marc Nozell from Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA, Wikimedia commons.