Melania Trump will attend this year’s Republican National Convention but will not give any speeches

Former US first lady Melania Trump will attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week, making a rare political appearance. But unlike in previous years, she is not expected to give a speech at the gathering where her husband, former President Donald Trump, will formally accept the Republican nomination.

While in the White House, Melania Trump tried to maintain her privacy and was often a reluctant presence on the campaign trail. This election season, she has virtually avoided appearing on the campaign trail.

Convention organizers released a full list of speakers Saturday that did not include the former first lady. A person familiar with the program confirmed that the former first lady would attend the event but would not speak at it. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.

The list includes the three leading vice presidential contenders — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — as well as a mix of Trump allies inside and outside government.

Melania Trump has spoken at the last two Republican conventions. The wives of the candidates often give speeches describing the careers and personal qualities of their partners.

During a 2020 convention disrupted by the coronavirus, Melania Trump said her husband would “not rest” until he has “done everything he can to take care of everyone affected by this terrible pandemic.” Four years earlier, she told attendees in Cleveland of her upbringing in Slovenia and attested to her husband’s steadfastness and loyalty.

Her speechwriter resigned in 2016 after lines from her speech were found to be nearly identical to passages from a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama.

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