On Monday (Jan. 11) U.S. First Lady Melania Trump issued a public statement, “Our Way Forward,” in which she expressed her “disappointment and frustration” over the Jan. 6 violence in Congress and called on Americans to “heal in a civilized way.
“Our way forward is to unite, to find our common ground, to be good and strong people.” She said Americans have endured natural disasters and terrible plagues, but what remains the same is the unwavering spirit of people helping each other, and that “your kindness highlights the true spirit of our country.”
She concluded by saying that she was honored to serve as first lady and thanked the American people who supported her and her husband during their presidency.
Here is a full translation of Melania’s open letter.
Like all of you, I reflect on the past year: how the invisible enemy Covid-19 (the Chinese Communist virus) has ravaged our beautiful country. All nations have experienced the loss of loved ones, economic grief and the negative effects of isolation.
As First Lady, it was inspiring to witness firsthand how the people of our great nation helped each other, especially at a time when we were at our most vulnerable.
I have treasured almost any of the things I have experienced and have taken the stories of these people to heart.
Most recently, I think of: Air Force veterans Ashli Babbit, Benjamin Philips, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, and Capitol Police officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood.
I pray for comfort and strength for their families during this difficult time.
I am disappointed and disheartened by what happened last week. It shames me that certain people with ulterior motives still surround these tragic events with vile gossip, unwarranted personal attacks and false and misleading accusations. This is a time to heal our nation and its people and should not be exploited by individuals for personal gain.
Our nation must heal in a civilized manner. Needless to say, I absolutely condemn the violence that occurred at the Capitol, and violence should never be acceptable.
I am proud that as Americans, we are free to express our views without persecution. This is one of the most important ideas on which America was founded, and many have sacrificed their lives to uphold this right. In light of this, I would like to call on the American people to take some time, pause and look at this matter from all angles.
I implore people to stop the violence and never to be provocative and vicious (in their attacks) based on different skin colors or political ideologies. We must listen to each other and focus on what unites us, not (focus on) what divides us.
It is encouraging that so many people are showing enthusiasm and passion for the election, but we must not allow that enthusiasm to turn to violence. Our way forward is to unite, to find our common ground, to be good and strong people.
In the midst of natural disasters and a terrible plague pandemic, our communities have demonstrated the strength and character of our nation. Through all the challenges, the constant theme has been the unwavering American resolve to help each other. Your kindness shows the true spirit of our nation.
As I said over the summer, we will look back on these defining moments and tell our future generations that through empathy, strength and will, we have restored hope for the future. Each of you is a pillar of our nation, one of those who continue to make America what it is, with a responsibility to make it even more beneficial for future generations.
It has been the honor of my life to be First Lady. I am grateful to the millions of Americans who have supported my husband and me over the past four years and who have shown incredible American spirit. I thank you for allowing me to serve on a platform that I love.
Most importantly, I ask for healing, grace, understanding and peace for our great nation.
Let us remember every day that we are a people under God. God bless all and God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely
Melania Trump (D-CA)
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