First Lady Melania Trump captivated attendees on Thursday at the inauguration of the Trump-Kennedy Center by unveiling her latest project to an audience comprising Washington dignitaries and celebrities. The event, which showcased her project titled "Melania: Twenty Days to History," was noted for its high-profile guest list that included President Donald Trump, as well as stars like Nicki Minaj and Dr. Phil, and government officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In her address, the First Lady clarified that her production should not be considered a documentary but rather "a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights, and moments that only few perceive." The feature provides an intimate look at the days leading up to President Trump's second inauguration, tracing Melania Trump's path from their Florida home to New York City.
The First Lady's fashion choice for the evening was a buttoned Dolce and Gabbana dress accompanied by black stilettos. President Trump, alongside his wife, drew parallels between the event and historical entertainment industry ceremonies, commenting to the media, "This is like the good old days when the Academy Awards used to get ratings."
However, the evening was not without its notable absences. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was expected to attend, was conspicuously missing from the event. Her absence came in the wake of increasing demands for her resignation after the fatal shooting of a protester by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on the preceding Saturday.
Secretary Noem has remained resolute amidst the controversy, defending her actions and dismissing the criticism as politically motivated attacks during an interview with Fox News. She stated, "These radicals are attacking me, but I'm just doing my job. I'm following the law, enforcing the laws like President Trump promised that he would do to keep people safe in this country."
The Homeland Security Secretary also referred to a newly surfaced video showing Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old nurse who was shot, in a confrontation with ICE agents 11 days prior to his death. Noem suggested the video was indicative of the daily challenges faced by federal officers. Despite her firm stance, she acknowledged the need for improvements in operational procedures and expressed support for a review of the incident to better future protocols.
Her department is also facing legislative challenges, with over 140 Democratic representatives sponsoring articles of impeachment against her, citing self-dealing, obstruction, and violations of public trust. A DHS spokesperson criticized the impeachment efforts as frivolous and suggested Democrats focus on crime in their own districts.
Amidst this political turmoil, the Daily Mail/JL Partners poll revealed that Noem's disapproval rating has risen to 41%, and a considerable segment of the public supports either impeachment or her dismissal by the President.
