First Lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote Imperia, a new initiative aimed at advancing women’s economic leadership. The event marked a public appearance by the First Lady following her attendance at the United Nations General Assembly the previous day, where she also addressed her husband’s speech.
First Lady praises Trump’s UN speech
During an interview on Fox & Friends the same morning, Melania Trump gave a positive assessment of President Donald Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly. She stated that she had told him, ‘I told him he had great delivery, he did very well. And a great speech.’ She added that while Trump sometimes ‘doesn’t want to hear’ her opinions, she always provides her honest feedback. On the president’s performance in his second term, she said, ‘It’s very different, what’s going on around the world now. But I think he’s doing the best that he can.’
Melania was seated in the UN chamber during Trump’s speech, which included a warning to Iran that the U.S. would ‘annihilate the Islamic Republic’ if necessary and a call for global isolation of the country. Trump also paused mid-speech to search for her in the audience, saying, ‘Where is our First Lady? Where is she? She’s around here someplace.’
Imperia initiative launches with focus on women’s economic power
The Imperia initiative, described as a ‘Davos for executive women,’ aims to support women in leadership roles by providing networking, mentorship, and resources. Speaking to members of Imperia, Melania emphasized the importance of women ‘owning, growing, and making space for the women who come next.’ She highlighted the need for women to control businesses, equity, real estate, capital, and intellectual property, stating, ‘Women are not just part of the marketplace, simple participants. We are its foundation, and we are its infrastructure.’
The initiative’s launch included a bell-ringing ceremony at the NYSE, where Melania was joined by members of Imperia, including CEOs, founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The event underscored her ongoing focus on economic empowerment, following her prior advocacy for children through initiatives like Be Best.
Background on Imperia and First Lady’s recent activities
Imperia is structured as a leadership summit and professional network designed to amplify women’s roles in the global economy. The First Lady’s public appearances this week—including her UN attendance and NYSE event—reflect her dual emphasis on international diplomacy and domestic economic policy. Her remarks on Trump’s speech and her new initiative were delivered during a period of heightened global tensions, including discussions at the UN about Iran, Ukraine, and other geopolitical issues.