Trump Family Reshapes Republican Party in Its Own Image

AFP/APP

Milwaukee: For Donald Trump, the campaign to return to the White House is a family affair. 

His media-shy wife Melania made a dramatic return at his side for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, while his sons Donald Jr. and Eric have been ubiquitous at the gathering all week.

Even his granddaughter, 17-year-old Kai Trump, made a speech, as the former president’s family has offered a way to soften his image in the aftermath of his recent convictions and other legal woes.

It was the elusive Melania’s first public showing alongside her husband since he was almost killed in an assassination attempt at a rally last Saturday—though she did issue a fiery statement soon after the shooting.

Melania had also been largely absent in recent months from Trump’s political life but drew wild cheers as she entered the convention hall, solo and dressed in red, minutes before his big showstopper speech.

“I am deeply honored to be accompanied by my wonderful wife, Melania,” Trump said from the stage. Prior to Thursday, Melania had not accompanied the former president on the campaign trails nor at court appearances in a New York criminal case that saw him convicted of covering up hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels, who alleged she had a sexual encounter with the real estate tycoon. 

“She’s a complete enigma,” said Natasha Lindstaedt, a political scientist at the University of Essex, adding that the former model did not “play the typical role” of a former first lady.

“Although she seemed to share similar views to Trump on a lot of issues… she has a very conservative worldview, she doesn’t seem to care that much what people think and kind of does her own thing.” 

On Thursday she finally arrived at her husband’s side on stage, at the end of his hour-and-a-half speech. As balloons tumbled around them, the pair exchanged an awkward kiss and held hands.