Melania Trump headlines Donald's rally at Madison Square Garden in a rare campaign appearance

Former first lady Melania Trump took the stage at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night to headline her husband Donald's New York City rally, a rare appearance on the campaign trail this cycle.

Melania, wearing a long zebra-print dress, greeted the crowd in her and Donald's “hometown” late into the night. She celebrated all of the city's achievements – before introducing the former president to the stage in a warm embrace.

“Our hometown, where architectural symbols of strength, courage and unity form a canvas for the undisputed industrial capital of the world,” said the proud New Yorker.

“Where giants of finance, fashion and entertainment come together amid an iconic selection of outstanding design, structures and artistic achievements,” Melania added.

The former first lady did not make any public statements during the 2024 election campaign – and was rarely seen next to her husband. Instead, she spent her time with her 18-year-old son Barron in Florida and the Big Apple.

She traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to sit next to her husband at the Republican National Convention days after he was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, but did not give a speech on stage at the time, choosing to make a heartfelt statement about the assassination instead.

The former model moved back to New York shortly before Barron started college in September and finished high school down in Palm Beach. He attends NYU and commutes to class from the family apartment in Trump Tower.

The campaign appearances Melania made were at private venues and she was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for her appearances, such as at a Log Cabin Republicans event in the spring. She also recently published her book “Melania” and appears in the media to talk about her life and the content of the memoir, including her views on women and abortion.

She made her speaking debut at her husband's MSG rally a little over a week before Election Day and spoke about New York, where she made her career after moving to the United States from Slovenia.

Melania spoke of New York being “unforgiving” and that the quality of life in the city has “declined” in recent years as the crowd shouted and applauded her.

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“Love you too!” She responded in the 20,000-seat arena.

“New York City and America need their magic back,” she continued, arguing that her husband will be the “next commander in chief” who will bring back greatness.

Melania Trump concluded her speech by introducing the former president to the large crowd. To loud applause and cheers, he entered the arena, hugged his wife, kissed her on the cheek and held her hand while looking out at the audience

“We’re excited to have my beautiful wife here,” Trump said.

“It’s a great book,” he congratulated her on her bestseller.

He revealed that Barron is “watching at home” and called him the “King of the Internet” as he advised him during key podcast appearances.