The glaring omission from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech
Former first lady was absent at speech and from indictment trip to New York for arrest and charging
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump thanked his family for their support in a speech just hours after he was criminally charged in New York – but failed to mention his absent wife Melania.
The former first lady seemingly skipped the high-profile event at their Mar-a-Lago estate on Tuesday night, following her notable absence on the indictment trip to New York City.
The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election to among others, adult film actress Stormy Daniels for an alleged affair.
Mr Trump turned to his family as he bragged to the audience about his successful real estate business and how banks had not lost “even $1” in their dealings with The Trump Organization.
He then individually named all of his children, but not his wife.
Trump indictment – live: Trump calls to defund police over arrest as Fox News turns on him over judge comments
Vogue, merch sales and Pornhub: How Stormy Daniels cashed in on publicity from Trump arraignment
Trump attacks judge’s family and calls Alvin Bragg a ‘criminal’ at Mar-a-Lago despite court warning
“I built a great business with my family, a fantastic business,” he told the crowd as he smiled at his family in the front row and pointed at them.
“I have a son here who has done a great job, and I have another son here who has done a great job … and Tiffany, and Ivanka. And Barron will be great some day. He is tall, he is tall and he’s smart.
“But I have a great family and they have done a fantastic job and we appreciate it very much. They have gone through hell.”
Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts against him before Judge Juan Merchan shortly after 2.40pm, becoming the first current or former US president ever to be charged with a crime.
Mr Trump was flanked by police in court but was not handcuffed or put in a jail cell, and no mugshot was taken.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments