Melania Trump Honored as “Patriot of the Year”
Melania Trump was honored with Fox’s “Patriot of the Year” Award at the Patriot Gala on November 6, held at The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, New York. Attending solo without Donald Trump, she delivered a seven-minute speech celebrating the “spirit of ambition” and those who “dare to think differently.”
“Daring to chase your dream is the American way,” Melania said, calling innovation “a form of patriotism” and encouraging courage and imagination as the roots of progress.
While Donald Trump remained in Washington, D.C., hosting Central Asian leaders, Melania’s solo appearance was seen as empowering. Body language expert Judi James told Daily Mail that being alone gave Melania a “boost,” showing her as “a star in her own right.”
James described Melania as confident and poised, noting “no trace of nervousness” and “no sense of being Donald’s ‘spare.’” She added that Melania appeared more spontaneous and engaging than in her previous, more formal speeches—“the right person in the right place at the right time.”