Trump staffer takes blame for Melania Trump speech scandal

Following accusations that Melania Trump’s speech was plagiarized from Michelle Obama, a staffer has stepped forward taking the blame.

By Bronte Price, PoliticKING


Trump Campaign staffer Meredith McIver has taken the blame for the Melania Trump speech scandal at the RNC. Following Melania Trump’s speech on Monday, many pointed out the overwhelming similarities between her speech and Michelle Obama’s at the DNC in 2008. The campaign described McIver as an “in-house staff writer from the Trump organization.”

In a statement to the press, McIver said she worked with Melania Trump on the speech and forgot remove quotes from Michelle Obama which Trump had said were examples of passages that inspired her. The staffer described herself as a “longtime friend and admirer of the Trump family.”

“In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wanted to share with the American people. A person she has always liked is Michelle Obama. Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama’s speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs. Obama’s speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama,” McIver said.

She added that the Trump family rejected her resignation following the scandal.

“Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Mr. Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Mr. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences.”

“I asked to put out this statement because I did not like seeing the way this was distracting from Mr. Trump’s historic campaign for president and Melania’s beautiful message and presentation.”

“I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. Today, more than ever, I am honored to work for such a great family. I personally admire the way Mr. Trump has handles this situation and I am grateful for his understanding.”

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