WORLD: Melania Trump hits out at ‘personal attacks’ on her after US Capitol riot

SOURCE: SKY NEWS –Melania Trump has said she is “disappointed” and “disheartened” by the Capitol riot last week – before adding it is “shameful” she has since been the target of “salacious gossip” and “personal attacks”.

The first lady made the remarks in a statement on Monday as she said “this time is solely about healing our country” and should not be used for “personal gain”.

It is unclear which personal attacks the wife of the outgoing US president is referring to.

However, former friend and adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff has criticised the first lady for her “silence and inactions” since the riot.

Ms Wolkoff, who has written a book about her friendship with Mrs Trump, also wrote in an article in the Daily Beast that the president and first lady “lack character” and have “no moral compass”.

Mrs Trump said in her statement that her “heart goes out” to those who were killed when demonstrators stormed the Capitol, before adding: “I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week.

“I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me – from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda.

“This time is solely about healing our country and its citizens.

“It should not be used for personal gain.”

Mrs Trump continued: “Our nation must heal in a civil manner. Make no mistake about it, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our nation’s Capitol.

“Violence is never acceptable… it is inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence.

“Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are.”