“I am disappointed and discouraged by what happened last week,” said the first lady, whose “Be Best” platform focuses on civility and kindness, said in the post.
Trump continued to react against criticism of himself, presenting himself as a victim in the midst of an unprecedented attack on democracy.
“I find it shameful that around these tragic events there have been lewd gossip, unjustified personal attacks and false misleading accusations about me – from people who are trying to be relevant and have an agenda. This time, it is just to heal our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain, “she said.
Trump then condemned last week’s events: “Make no mistake, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our nation’s Capitol. Violence is never acceptable,” she wrote.
“More recently, my heart is with: Air Force veteran, Ashli Babbit, Benjamin Philips, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland and Capitol police officers, Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. I pray that your families will have comfort and strength during this difficult time, “she said.
While images of the crowd invading the Capitol consumed the radio waves, the First Lady was focused – with White House chief porter Timothy Harleth – on completing the shoot. Both the media, including CNN, and members of his team were asking whether Trump had plans to tweet a declaration of calm or a call to stop the violence – something she had done a few months earlier during protests over the murder police. George Floyd. She does not.
Her lack of interest in going to the country indicated that she was being “checked in,” said another White House source, who added: “She just isn’t in a mental or emotional place where she wants to be involved anymore.”