In a rare interview, former First Lady Melania Trump reflected on two assassination attempts targeting her husband, former President Donald Trump. She described both events as “miracles” and spoke about the family’s challenges in recent years, particularly as Donald Trump navigates his bid for the 2024 presidential election.
She shared with the media on January 26 how she found out about both assassination attempts on her husband. She explained that she was in a different city, watching the events happen on TV. She initially missed the live broadcast by a few minutes and had to rewind to catch up.
Describing the Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting, she noted that when she first saw Donald Trump on the floor, there was a lot of uncertainty about what had happened.
For the second attempt, which took place at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, Melania was in New York City at the time. After seeing the news on TV, she contacted her husband again and was relieved to learn he was unharmed, crediting the Secret Service agents for their excellent work.
Heightened Security and Concerns
The security around the Trump family has intensified following the assassination attempts. The New York Police Department (NYPD) significantly increased Melania Trump’s protective detail in response to the West Palm Beach incident, where a man, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, attempted to ambush Donald Trump at his golf club. Routh, who reportedly waited off the sixth hole for hours, was arrested after a Secret Service agent spotted him and opened fire, causing Routh to flee. The former First Lady now travels with an eight-vehicle convoy, doubling the usual security presence.
While Donald Trump has always been a polarizing figure, Melania Trump voiced her frustration with the “toxic atmosphere” that she believes has emboldened those who wish to do him harm. She placed part of the blame on the media and the political opposition. “This needs to stop,” she said, urging Democrats and the media to stop portraying her husband as a threat to democracy. She accused the media of creating a hostile environment that encourages individuals who seek to harm him. Previously, Democrats had accused Donald Trump of using violent rhetoric, including playing a role in inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Assassination Attempts: A Pattern of Threats
The first attempt occurred in Butler during a campaign rally in July 2024. According to reports, the assailant fired shots that killed a man and injured Donald Trump. Melania Trump called the incident “egregious violence” and questioned why the shooter had not been apprehended before the event. “I can’t help but wonder why didn’t law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to this story and we need to uncover the truth,” she remarked.
This lapse led to the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, the then-director of the Secret Service.
Shortly after, the second attempt unfolded in West Palm Beach, with the suspect managing to evade security measures for hours before being spotted. The Secret Service admitted that the golf course was not adequately searched, as the round of golf was an unscheduled event.
A Call for Unity and Her Son’s Future
Amid escalating threats, Melania Trump called for national unity, hoping that the political discourse surrounding her husband would tone down. She noted that the violence must come to an end, portraying her husband as a solution to many of the country’s issues. In the same interview, she addressed her son, Barron Trump, who has chosen to stay in New York while attending New York University. Melania said she respects his decision, although the increased security measures have impacted their daily lives. She added that she does not consider herself an “empty nester” and is proud of Barron, fully supporting his choice based on his education and social connections in New York.
Looking Ahead: Memoir and Reflection
Melania Trump is scheduled to release her memoir, “Melania,” on October 8, 2024. The book will provide insights into her tenure as First Lady and her perspectives on the key events that have shaped the Trump family in recent years.
With the 2024 election underway and her husband’s political future uncertain, her reflections are expected to offer a distinctive view into life within one of America’s most prominent families. Although she has played a quieter role in this election cycle, her unwavering loyalty to her husband remains evident. She noted in her interview that their shared experiences, faith, family, and love for the country continue to sustain them.
