US election: Melania Trump hits the campaign trail, slams Biden’s ‘socialist agenda’

Melania Trump has hit the campaign trail for the first time on her own this year, launching a rare attack on Joe Biden.

First Lady Melania Trump speaks to President Trump's supporters at a Make America Great Again event in Pennsylvania. Picture: AFP

US first lady Melania Trump has hit the campaign trail for the first time on her own this year, praising her President husband as a “fighter” and offering support to pandemic victims.

Mrs Trump, 50, has been only a rare presence at her husband’s campaign events, but won praise for her speech at the Republican Party’s nominating convention in August.

“Donald is a fighter. He loves this country and he fights for you every single day,” she told supporters of the President in Atglen, Pennsylvania, a key battleground in his duel with Joe Biden.

Ms Trump warned the US the “socialist agenda” of Mr Biden would only “serve to destroy America” – calling on voters to keep Donald Trump in the White House.

“We must keep Donald in the White House so he can continue what he started, and our country can continue to flourish,” she said.

“Donald Trump is the man who will lead us and empower us to make that greater future together.

“Donald Trump will expand and grow the economy and keep us safe.

“On November third, when you vote, you will be voting for our children’s future.”

Her plans to hit the trail with Donald Trump last week were thwarted due to a “lingering cough” from her battle with the coronavirus, which struck the first couple and son Barron.

“Thank you for all the love and support you gave us when our family was diagnosed with COVID-19,” she said on Wednesday AEDT. “We are feeling so much better now.”

She offered compassion to families of the more than 225,000 Americans who have succumbed to the disease so far.

“I know there are many people who have lost loved ones or know people who have been forever impacted by this silent enemy,” she said.

“My family’s thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this difficult time.

“We will triumph over this virus.”

In her speech, Ms Trump offered a few comments about her husband’s rabid Twitter use. Her “Be Best” campaign — which champions “uplifting, positive and respectful online interactions”, according to the White House website — has often faced criticism given the President’s own strident online persona.

“For the first time in history, the citizens of this country get to hear directly and instantly from their president every single day through social media,” she said.

“I do not always agree with the way he says things,” she added, to some laughter from the crowd.

“But it is important to him that he speaks directly to the people he serves.”

First Lady Melania excuses Pres. Trump’s extreme tweets: ‘I do not always agree with the way he says things’ pic.twitter.com/vD6XP8n9CS

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) October 27, 2020

With AFP