In all fairness, Melania Trump does not claim to be a stand-up comedian. In fact, everything about her demeanor screams exactly the opposite — a serious, straight-faced, often angry-looking woman, who is in a position in which she is occasionally required to speak in public.

And on those occasions, as she struggles to enunciate the words written for her by the White House speech writers, she tries . . . she really tries . . . to smile from time to time, and to appear, if not genuinely warm, at least relatable.

But, although she may once have been a pretty good fashion model, she is no orator. Her command of the English language, even after 30 years in the United States, is not the best; and that makes her attempts at humor fall flat. Except when she’s not trying. Then she can be — albeit unintentionally — downright hilarious.

Case in point: Yesterday’s address to military mothers at the White House in advance of Mother’s Day. After a few introductions, she began by saying:

“I often think about the brave people who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.“ [Whitehouse.gov, May 6, 2026.]

So far, so good.

Then she went on to talk about the grief of those who have lost family members in service to their country, which was appropriate. And she tossed in some words about the unique bond between a mother and her children. But maybe she should have stopped there, instead of adding:

“This is a time of military conflict for America. And whereby [sic] we honor our selfless and valiant Service members regularly, today is the day we hold their mothers in the highest regard . . . praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once again.” [Id.]

Did she (and her speech writers) think that her audience are unaware of the fact that their sons, husbands and brothers are in harm’s way because of her husband’s illegal and unnecessary war?

The whole speech was a bit schmaltzy, but it was intended to be; that is what passes for sincerity in this administration. But finally she came to the end, which is where it all went terribly wrong:

“I pray you find enduring strength as your loved one serves in defense of our freedom. Most know my husband as the strong Commander in Chief, but his empathy transcends the role and shapes a caring leader who constantly remembers each and every American soldier is someone’s child. Distinguished guests, please join me with a warm welcome for our President, Donald J. Trump.” [Id.]

According to those who were there — and you can see it on the videos — when she uttered the word “empathy,” the laughter from the crowd was audible. Trump himself grinned and shrugged in what looked like an attempt at modesty, and Melania herself broke into a genuine smile as she turned to look at him.

In what must have been an agonizingly long afternoon for the women being honored, that moment of comic relief must have made it all seem worthwhile. I know I would have enjoyed it. In fact, I had a whale of a good time just watching it on YouTube.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/7/26