RNC 2020: Melania Trump, Mike Pompeo Buck Tradition With Convention Speeches

Both praise the president, stir controversy over the locations for their remarks

First lady Melania Trump argued for her husband’s re-election from the White House grounds, saying he was fighting for Americans, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo weighed in from Jerusalem, as the second night of the Republican convention entered unusual territory for a political event.

The speeches capped a night of programming that carried made-for-TV flourishes that upended norms for a convention, including videos of President Trump issuing a pardon and conducting a naturalization ceremony from the White House. It also featured more of an optimistic tone than Monday’s opening night of the convention.

In a convention marked by glossy tributes to Mr. Trump, the first lady made the most direct acknowledgment of the toll that the coronavirus pandemic has taken, with more than 178,000 Americans killed. “I know many people are anxious and some feel helpless,” Mrs. Trump said. “I want you to know you are not alone.”

She praised the people who elected her husband in 2016. “We have not forgotten the incredible people who were willing to take a chance on a businessman who had never worked in politics,” she said, calling on them to award him a second term. She also acknowledged the civil and racial unrest that has swept across the country in recent months, calling for peace and unity.

Mrs. Trump and Mr. Pompeo both bucked tradition with their remarks. It is not typical for a sitting secretary of state to give political speeches, particularly while on a diplomatic mission overseas, and political activity is generally not conducted on White House grounds.

Mr. Pompeo’s speech extolled the foreign-policy decisions by the president, including the deadly strike on Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani and moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. “President Trump has put his America First vision into action,” he said. “It may not have made him popular in every foreign capital, but it has worked.”