opinion
Former First Lady Melania Trump was noticeably absent from her husband's New Year's Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago, Florida, home on Sunday evening. During the event, former President Donald Trump revealed the sad reason why his wife was unable to attend.
Melania's mother is 'very ill'
While speaking at a New Year's Eve party, Trump revealed that Melania was unable to attend because her beloved mother, Amalia Knavs, is “very ill,” Page Six reported.
“I hope it goes well, but it's a tough decision, a very tough decision,” Trump said, adding that Melania was “sending her love” from her mother's bed.
“She probably knows about 95 percent of the people in this room,” he continued. “We just want to wish Amalija to get better as soon as possible.”
Trump did not specify the type of illness that Knavs suffers from. Melania has reportedly been with her mother since before Christmas.
“Melania has always been very loyal to her entire family,” a source close to Melania told Fox News. “It should come as no surprise that she spent this Christmas with her sick mother.”
Melania is campaigning for Trump
It comes after it was reported that Melania is planning to step up her game when it comes to campaigning for her husband this year as he seeks re-election.
“Trump and his family are so secure that he will become president again, with Mar-a-Lago insiders saying he has reached a deal with Melania to step up his diplomatic appearances at the highest level in 2024,” one insider said.
This source added: “Melania realizes that the time has come to join the ranks of historic First Ladies and make her mark on history… She feels more prepared for her potential role the second time around.”
“We're going to have a great year,” Trump himself said at a New Year's Eve party. “Our country has gone to hell but we will turn it around, we will turn it around fast.”
RELATED: Vanilla Snow and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ring in the new year with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Melania speaks to immigrants
Melania was born in Slovenia in 1970 to Amalia and Viktor Knavs, and became a US citizen in 2006. While speaking to 25 newly naturalized citizens at a naturalization ceremony held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., last month, Melania recalled “the enormous feeling I felt.” The “pride and belonging” she felt when she became an American citizen.
“For me, achieving American citizenship was like the sunrise of certainty,” she said. “At that very moment, I was forever freed from the weight of the burden of whether I would be able to live in the United States. I hope you are surrounded by similar feelings of relief now.
She continued: “My personal experience navigating the challenges of the immigration process opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by these people, including you, who are trying to become American citizens.”
Melania ended her speech by applauding the 25 new American citizens as they stood next to the Declaration of Independence.
“Becoming an American citizen comes with responsibility, and means actively participating in the democratic process and protecting our freedom,” she concluded. “It also means leading by example and contributing to our community. It is a life-changing experience that requires time, determination and sometimes tremendous strength.
Full story: Melania Trump gives powerful speech about becoming a US citizen
This is clearly a very difficult time for Melania and her entire family. Please join us in saying a prayer for her mother as she continues her recovery.
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