Melania Trump attends naturalization ceremony at National Archives

Former first lady Melania Trump on Friday attended a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives during which she addressed a group of newly-minted American citizens, marking a rare public appearance since leaving the White House.

"How fortunate to be with the naturalizing individuals and their families as they recite the Oath of Allegiance and become Americans before our great nation’s founding documents," she said, according to the New York Post.

"It means actively participating in the democratic process and guarding our freedom," she said of the significance of citizenship. "It is a life-altering experience that takes time, determination and sometimes even tremendous strength."

Born in Slovenia, Trump is the second foreign-born first lady, after John Quincy Adams' wife, Louisa. While she has generally stayed out of the spotlight and off the campaign trail since leaving the White House, she has made a few public appearances in recent months, including at the funeral of former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.