Former First Lady Melania Trump is set to make a rare campaign appearance during a fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans, according to Politico.
Log Cabin Republicans bills itself as the nation's largest organization representing LGBT conservatives and allies. Melania has largely remained out of the public eye when it comes to her husband, former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign. The former president had been teasing her return to the campaign trail.
The Context
Melania Trump has faced questions about her absence from her husband's presidential campaign.
She has attended few public events in recent months, keeping a lower profile than during the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Other first ladies historically have taken a more active role in their husbands' presidential campaigns.
Trump is expected to face off against President Joe Biden in November, with each candidate appearing to have received enough votes in their respective primaries to secure their party's nominations
What We Know
The fundraising event is scheduled for Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, for April 20, 2024, according to the report from Politico.
Trump has sought to portray himself as more moderate on LGBTQ+ issues than some Republicans, at one point holding an upside-down pride flag on the 2016 campaign trail, at times leaving him at odds with the GOP's most conservative voters. However, he embraced policies during his first term that critics say would chip away at the community's rights.
More information about the event, including who else may be attending, remained unclear on Friday.
Melania Trump has maintained a relationship with the Log Cabin Republicans and was given an award by the group during the 2022 Spirit of Lincoln gala, which was also held at Mar-a-Lago.
She previously teased her return to the campaign trail in March, telling reporters to "stay tuned" after being asked if she plans to campaign for her husband's presidential bid.
Just days prior to the announcement, former Melania Trump aide Stephanie Winston Wolkoff slammed an anonymous report alleging that she was avoiding the campaign trail because she felt she was "betrayed by her staff" during her time in the White House.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment via email.
Views
The fundraiser drew a variety of reactions on social media.
Bill White, a Republican donor who is among the event's hosts per Politico, wrote in a post to X, "Will be an amazing event w/our great First Lady!! Excited to Co-Host with @RichardGrenell in support of LCR's very important mission."
Sam Alleman, LGBTQ+ Coalition Director at the Democratic National Committee, criticized the event, writing, "Ah yes, a GOP LGBTQ+ fundraiser in Florida, a state known for their acceptance and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ people. What a joke."
"GOP: At least we wait until AFTER Easter to celebrate the sexual revolution," wrote Andrew T. Walker, a Southern Seminary professor.
What's Next
While the event may quell questions about her involvement in the campaign, the full extent to which she plans to attend other events remains unclear. The Trump campaign has not commented on the fundraiser, and Melania Trump has not confirmed any other campaign events in the near future.
Update 4/5/2023 1:40 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 4/5/2023 2:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Andrew Stanton is a Newsweek weekend reporter based in Maine. His role is reporting on U.S. politics and social issues. ... Read more
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