Former First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to make a rare public appearance, speaking at an immigrant naturalization ceremony hosted by the National Archives.

On December 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C., the National Archives Rotunda, a location steeped in history, will serve as the venue for an important naturalization ceremony. This event coincides with Bill of Rights Day and will feature 25 individuals from various nations, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, becoming U.S. citizens.

Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia and a naturalized U.S. citizen herself, will be a prominent speaker at the ceremony. She will be joined by Dr. Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, in delivering remarks. Mrs. Trump’s participation is notable, considering her low public visibility since her departure from the White House and amid ongoing legal issues involving her husband, former President Donald Trump, particularly with the National Archives.

The dispute between the National Archives and former President Trump began in March 2021 and concerns his retention of classified documents after his presidency. The controversy has since escalated into a Justice Department investigation and an FBI raid, resulting in various felony charges against him. These charges pertain to alleged violations of the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice, focusing on his refusal to return sensitive documents and efforts to hide them from prosecutors.

Despite these surrounding issues, Melania Trump’s presence at the naturalization ceremony is significant. It represents her independent stance, seemingly detached from her husband’s legal challenges. Her office has released a statement expressing her enthusiasm for sharing her experience as a naturalized citizen and her involvement in this significant event for the new American citizens.