US First Lady Melania Trump delivered the final speech of the second night of the Republican National Convention from the White House on Monday night. It was a rare political appearance for the first lady, urging support for her husband’s re-election.
Melania has made a heartfelt plea for racial unity. “Stop the violence and looting,” she said as protests continued over a police shooting in Wisconsin.
“Like all of you, I have reflected on the racial unrest in our country,” she said. “It is a harsh reality that we are not proud of parts of our history. I encourage you to focus on the future while still learning from the past.”
“I urge people to come together in a civil manner so we can work and live up to our standard American ideals,” she added.
“I also ask people to stop the violence and looting being done in the name of justice, and never make assumptions based on the colour of a person’s skin.”
Melania also addressed the coronavirus pandemic – a topic that has largely gone unmentioned during the convention.
“I want to acknowledge the fact that since March, our lives have changed dramatically,” she said, adding that the Trump administration would continue to work towards developing a vaccine. “Donald will not rest,” she said, until there is a cure.