What went through Melania Trump’s mind during those terrifying moments after the Butler shooting? What’s her message to America in the wake of the tragedy?
The perspective of Melania Trump on the assassination attempt against former President Trump reveals intimate details about life in the political spotlight. She shares personal insights about the incident, its impact on their family, and her views on the political climate that might have contributed to the violence.
Keep reading to learn about one of the most dramatic moments in political history through the eyes of someone who experienced it like no one else.
Image credit: AP via FMT
Melania Trump on the Assassination Attempt
To get the perspective of Melania Trump on the assassination attempt against her husband in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, read the final pages of her memoir. She describes her immediate concern for Trump when she heard the news and her efforts to comfort their son Barron as Trump’s status was uncertain. She explains how the incident highlighted the constant concern for safety that accompanied their family’s public life, as well as the bravery of people who sacrificed themselves to protect him during the attack.
(Shortform note: In our guide, we refer to Melania Trump as Melania and to Donald Trump as Trump.)
| Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump On July 13, 2024, an assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from a nearby rooftop, killing one spectator and injuring two others before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Trump sustained a minor wound to his ear during the incident. This marked the first of two assassination attempts on the former president during his 2024 campaign, with the second thwarted by Secret Service agents who spotted an armed man near Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. In response to the Butler shooting, Melania questioned why law enforcement didn’t arrest the shooter before Trump’s speech. The former first lady also attributed some blame for the assassination attempts to rhetoric used by Democrats and the media, arguing that labeling her husband a threat to democracy created an environment that empowered people who wanted to harm him. |
Melania concludes her memoir by sharing a public letter she wrote to the American people, in which she calls for unity over division, expresses gratitude to those who protected Trump, and extends sympathy to the victims. She advocates compassion and understanding beyond political divides. Melania’s final message in the book is a call for national healing at a critical moment, emphasizing respect and unity as foundational for a better future.
(Shortform note: The public letter was shared on Melania’s social media account on July 14, 2024, following the assassination attempt on Trump.)
| Melania’s Low Profile in Trump’s 2024 Presidential Campaign Except for the publication of her memoir, Melania has maintained a low profile during her husband’s 2024 presidential campaign, largely staying out of the public eye and political spotlight. Despite Trump’s occasional promises of her future involvement, the former first lady has made only a handful of appearances at select events. Her limited participation includes speaking at two Log Cabin Republican fundraisers, for which she reportedly received substantial compensation. Melania’s limited public appearances during the 2024 presidential campaign, including her notable absence from major campaign events and her husband’s legal proceedings, sparked widespread discussion. Sources close to the Trump campaign characterized her involvement as selective and methodical throughout the election cycle. Her reserved approach stood in contrast to the more active public roles traditionally assumed by political spouses during presidential campaigns. |
