We've Got Hollywood Covered
|

Melania Trump Lashes Out at Post-Riot Criticism

The outgoing first lady says in a letter that she is being criticized by “people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda”

Lindsey Ellefson | January 11, 2021 @ 6:16 AM
First Lady Melania Trump Meets With Teens To Discuss Youth Vaping

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Outgoing first lady Melania Trump lamented Monday that she has been receiving too much criticism since last Wednesday’s deadly riot at the Capitol, which was done by a group of her husband’s supporters.

“I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week,” she wrote in a letter posted to the White House website. “I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me – from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda.”

Trump shared condolences for the six people who were present at the riot and lost their lives, including two Capitol police officers, then condemned the violence.

Also Read: Reddit Bans 'r/DonaldTrump' Subreddit Following Capitol Riot

“It is inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence. Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are,” she wrote.

Trump’s chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, was one of many top aides and White House officials to resign after the riot, which took place when a number of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the Capitol during a joint session of Congress meant to certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden.

America's Day of Shame: Scenes From US Capitol Under Siege by MAGA Mob (Photos)

  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election(1) Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building police Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Members of Congress evacuate the House Chamber Capitol Building Riot Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building protester sits in the Senate Chamber Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Getty Images
  • Riot Capitol Building Getty Images
  • House Floor standoff Riot Getty Images
  • Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Riot Senate Chamber Getty Images
  • Congress Holds Joint Session To Ratify 2020 Presidential Election Riot Capitol Building Getty Images
  • capitol protest Getty Images
  • capitol protest trump flag Getty Images
1 of 20

Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Wednesday in protest of democratic elections

The National Guard will be deployed to the United States Capitol building following a riot incited by Trump supporters seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The group of Trump supporters broke into the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon shortly before 1 p.m. ET. Rioters were able to push past police and barricades around the perimeter of the Capitol, and some guards were photographed with guns drawn inside the Senate chambers.

Photographs and video from reporters and bystanders on the ground and inside the Capitol show rioters overtaking the Senate Chambers, including breaking into senators' offices, stealing and vandalizing property.

View In Gallery