Melania Trump makes rare speech at Washington dinner

She's notoriously nervous about public speaking after a speech she made last year was accused of being similar to one made by Michelle Obama, but Melania Trump faced her fears yesterday in Washington D.C.

The soon-to-be First Lady was at a luncheon held in the US capital ahead of tomorrow's inauguration, when husband Donald invited her to say some words for the audience.

"It’s great to be here and thank you all for your support," she said, "and tomorrow we start the work.

"Ahead [there is] a lot of responsibility, a lot to take care of, and we will Make America great again."

Her brief speech was met by enthusiastic applause and cheering from the audience. She was rewarded by with a quick kiss from her husband. 

During Trump's campaign last year, Melania was criticised for avoiding a press conference the campaign said she would hold. 

Later in the evening, Donald and Melania attended a black tie dinner ahead of the inauguration. Trump gave a speech, where he joked about the predicted rain at the ceremony.

"It may rain, it may not rain. I don't care. It doesn't matter. If it really pours that's OK because people will realize it's my real hair. 

"It might be a mess but they're gonna see it's my real hair."