Melania Trump Says She Was Not Aware Of Jan 6 Riot As She Was Busy With WH Photo Shoot

Former First Lady Melania Trump said that she was busy photographing a rug in the White House, so she was "unaware" of the ongoing riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

She told Fox News that on the day of the riot, she was fulfilling one of her "duties as First Lady of the United States of America, and accordingly, I was unaware of what was simultaneously transpiring at the US Capitol Building." She said that as the First Lady, it was her "duty" to archive the contents of the White House, which is not exactly true, according to CNN. The White House Historical Association and the White House curator are predominantly responsible for keeping a record of all the contents of the White House collection that are official.

Melania said that as with all First Ladies who preceded her, it was her obligation to record the "contents of the White House's historic rooms." It included taking "archival photographs of all the renovations." She shared that several months in advance, she organized a "qualified team of photographers, archivists, and designers to work with me in the White House to ensure perfect execution." She said that they scheduled Jan. 6, 2021, to "complete the work on behalf of our Nation."

Her comments came after her former chief of staff Stephanie Grisham publicly claimed that Melania did not immediately sign off on a statement condemning the Jan. 6 riot.

Even though it was broadcast on television and was all over social media, in the new interview, Melania claimed that she was in the dark about what was happening on the day of the riot. She said that Grisham "failed to provide insight and information" on Jan. 6, 2021. She noted that had she been fully informed of all the details, naturally, she would have "immediately denounced the violence that occurred at the Capitol Building." She said that while Grisham's behavior is "disappointing, it is not surprising or an isolated incident."

Reacting to Melania's statements, Grisham said that everything the former First Lady said "is bull*** and she knows it."

After starting her White House tenure in the First Lady’s office, Grisham served as White House press secretary. When Kayleigh McEnany was tapped for the role in April 2020, Grisham returned to the East Wing.