First lady Melania Trump received fierce backlash from celebrity activist Bette Midler Tuesday night while recounting the realization of her American dream during a speech at the Republican National Convention.
The “Hocus Pocus” star and singer referred to Mrs. Trump as an “illegal immigrant” who “can’t speak English” as millions listened to her journey to “the land of opportunity.”
“Growing up as a young child in Slovenia, which was under communist rule at the time, I always heard about an amazing place called America — a land that stood for freedom and opportunity,” Mrs. Trump said. “As I grew older, it became my goal to move to the United States and follow my dream of working in the fashion industry. My parents worked very hard to ensure our family could not only leave and prosper in America, but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it reality.”
The first lady thanked her parents before detailing “one of the proudest moments” of her life — becoming an American citizen.
“Living and working in the land of opportunity was a dream come true, but I wanted more,” she said. “I wanted to be a citizen. After 10 years of paperwork and patience, I studied for the test in 2006 and became an American citizen. … With hard work and determination I was able to achieve my own American dream. As an immigrant and a very independent woman, I understand what a privilege it is to live here and to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that we have. As first lady, I have been fortunate to see the American dream come true over and over again.”
Ms. Midler’s responded to the speech by lamenting, “Oh, God. She still can’t speak English.”
She also exclaimed, “A UGE bore! She can speak several words in a few languages. Get that illegal alien off the stage!” in another tweet.
Mrs. Trump, 50, speaks English, French, German, Italian, Serbian and Slovenian.
Oh, God. She still can’t speak English.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 26, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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