Former First Lady Melania Trump recently shared her personal account of the George Floyd protests in 2020, recounting a moment of fear as demonstrators gathered outside the White House. In a video clip promoting her upcoming memoir, Melania, the ex-president’s wife reflected on the tense environment within the executive residence during the height of the national unrest.
The promotional video, released on September 22 via X (formerly known as Twitter), features Melania Trump wearing a black blazer as she addresses the camera with a dramatic soundtrack playing in the background.
“The loud knocking on the door sent a jolt through my body,” Melania said in the video. “A Secret Service agent told me I needed to move. Safety was paramount, not just for me but for the president and all of the residents in the White House. The violent protests across the country had finally reached Pennsylvania Avenue.”
On May 31, 2020, as tensions escalated, Melania, her husband Donald Trump, and their son Barron were temporarily taken to the White House bunker as protesters gathered outside. The protests, sparked by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, intensified across the country, including in front of the White House.
https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND pic.twitter.com/XFao7ww26U
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) September 22, 2024
The day after being moved to the bunker, Donald Trump publicly praised the Secret Service for their handling of the protests, which had grown increasingly volatile in Washington, D.C, according to Newsweek.
The protests began in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old Black man who died after Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. The incident was captured on video, igniting national outrage. Chauvin was later sentenced to over two decades in prison for Floyd’s murder.
As protests outside the White House grew more intense, demonstrators attempted to breach security barriers, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Some protesters threw objects at officers, and the Secret Service used pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Minor injuries were reported among officers during the unrest.
The George Floyd protests rapidly expanded across the U.S. and internationally, with demonstrations in over 2,000 cities and towns in more than 60 countries. Between 15 to 26 million people are estimated to have participated, making it the largest protest movement in U.S. history.
Following the release of Melania Trump’s video, social media users quickly reacted, with one writing, “LOooooord have mercy on this family. I can’t imagine the hell they’ve been going through for our sake. How can we ever repay them for all that they’ve endured?”
Melania’s memoir is set for release on October 8.
LOooooord have his mercy on this family.
— 🌼Sweet Pea🌼 (@LuvableSweetP) September 23, 2024
I can't imagine the hell they've been going through for our sake. How can we ever repay them for all that they've endured?
Thank you for sharing the truth.
— Coleen Faith (@Shimmering777) September 22, 2024
You’re an inspiration to women all over the world
— The Dutch Doge Guy 🐕 (@070guy) September 22, 2024
You are absolutely correct
— Michelle Carabella (@Michellecarab) September 23, 2024