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An in-house Trump staff speechwriter today apologised for using First Lady Michelle Obama’s quotes in a speech delivered by Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention and offered her resignation.
‘In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people,’ the staffer Meredith McIver, said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign.
McIver said Melania had ‘always liked Michelle Obama’ and ‘over the phone, she read some passages from Michelle’s speech as examples’ of what she wanted to tell the convention.
‘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. No harm was meant,’ she said.
‘I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, Today. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family,’ she said.
However, her resignation was rejected by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
‘Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences,’ McIver said.
‘I personally admire the way Trump has handles this situation and I am grateful for his understanding,’ McIver said.