so i don't have to wait for hours. but thank you, and others who are willing to -- that is a difficult day, for people who volunteer their time, to either be pollworkers or chaplains to keep the peace in this vibrant democracy, thank you on behalf of all of us. >> i'm reporting on them doing it, i appreciative of your asking me to tell you about it. >> god bless you. thank you for spending part of your sunday with us, hope you have a great week ahead until next week you can find us on-line at gowdy america or trey gowdy podcast, good night from south carolina. ♪ ♪

>> melania sharing her truth, for first time in two years, former first lady opens up about life before diseurdpeuduring and after the white house. >> i got a secret service on the phone, they said, that he is okay. we're on the way to the hospital. >> to scrutiny, weeks from election day. >> the leaders from opposition party, and mainstream media branding him as a threat to democracy. why she has chosen to moment to speak out. >> a lot of misinformation and falsehoods, have been written about my, i want to put the record straight. >> melania holding nothing back, giving an honest acouch account of what she thinks of state of country and our world. >> the border is open and

dangerous, a lot of felons are coming overkilling our youth. it is very hard to see. >> and looking back. what she would have done differently as first lady. >> i think the team around you is very important. very important. they need to have the same vision. >> we're recounting her childhood in slovenia her career in my fashion and how she met donald trump. >> i love the vision he had and connection he it it was very special. >> this is melania trump in her own words. >> why did you want to tell the story. >> i believe activity time to tell my story and the truth, it is a lot of

misinformation and false hoods written about me and i want to put the record straight. and people can learn some things that were never discussed. and i hope they enjoy the book. let's begin with your life growing up in slovenia. how you became a model, you ended up in america. becoming a citizen. >> i grew up in slovenia. in small town. and i starvedded in fashion modeling industry, because of my mother. she introduced me to it, she was a dpa fashion designer, that is how i started when i was 6 years old, in the book, i explain. it is from the beginning until i came to new york. also in between was modeling career, in milan and paris

and around traveling aaround europe, very exciting. >> it looks glamorous to us, but it is hard work. >> it is hard work. and you always are alone, you travel to the cities where you work. and you wake up very early in the morning you come back home very late at night. a as a young girl or just you know young woman, you experience a lot of different things. you grow up very fast. what was that like for your parents to say, mom and dad i'm moving to milan and paris now america. >> they were very supportive, every time, they came to visit me, and i am glad i had them in my corner, because i paused my studies. so, i moved to milan. and i feel like if i would

never do that, i would never be here. so, now that i turn back, it and i feel like it is incredible. incredible decisions that i made. >> you said in the book, sometime to succeed, you must be willing to take risks, how did the risks early on as model prepare you for life as first lady. >> i think nothing prepared me more to be first lady in front of the world than the fashion industry. it is glamorous. but it is the same time, it is very tough. and as everybody judges you, they look at you a certain way. it can be a mean world as well. nothing prepared me more for this world than fashion. it gives a thick skin.

august 27, 1996, you had a molding contract, you have two suitcases, a carry on and a passport. that is all you brought with you to america. >> and my portfolio, very important. >> absolutely, you need to find a job. so you hit the ground running, you didn't go to your apartment you went to work. >> correct. tell us about that. >> i arrived to new york city, i remember it was tuesday afternoon, early. i went from airport to the agency. so, i start right away. you sign the contract. you they copy your portfolio, and you start. so, it was an exciting time. 10 years later after arriving here you find yourself raising your right hand and reciting pledge of allegiance, becoming an

american citizen, you had no idea at that mos moment you would go to, to become first lady of u.s., what did that day of becoming a u.s. citizen mean. >> i was very proud, i went through the process that day of a big celebration, i was very proud. meeting donald trump, how did you meet him? >> we meet at a party, you could read a whole chapter in the book. at the kit kat club there was a most of connection, you refused to give him your number, you asked for his number, you were on a modeling shoot, you called him, what happened. >> we went to the -- first date. if you could call it a date. >> it was mixed with professionalism. >> yes. i understand. now that i know him more.

that was so him. and i like in one way about it. i you know i was the same, and i love the vision that he had and connection we had. >> he drives you to bedford. an hour outside of city he wanted to show you a business or property, he was combining business with taking you on a first date. >> it was very nice, because we were two of us, alone in the car. for hour and a half, and it is no other noise, no other people. because at that time he was already known, and celebrity. it was really nice to be just two of us. >> did you fall in love then? >> it was a connection. it was a connection. you said our chemistry was undenial, our connection felt natural in private he

revealed himself as a gentleman, displaying tenderness and thoughtfulness, did he ever say to you, i will be president one day. >> we didn't discuss at that time. . >> not that he would be president but he was involved in politics, he was very in tune with what is going on in the world. 6 years into the relationship, april of 2004. he proposes to you. >> it was first, it was my birthday. and it was a met gala, it was all in one, we were ready at home, in black ties. he proposed that time. >> describe your wedding day, january 22, 2 thousan 2005, almost a year after you were engaged, you got married at about th baba

that -- abou abo bathesda by the sea. >> it was a busy day. and it went smoothly. there was a touching story in book about the baptism candle your mom brought it from slovenia it was lit in the church when you were baptized, you lit it at our wedding and you lit it when baro barron was baptized. >> i still have it, i was capt b baptized on donald's birthday. >> you say in book, about becoming a mother, i stepped back from public life, no longer glamorous photo shoots, my career took a

backseat was that a hard change. >> it was not. >> why. >> i had a different purpose in life. >> best day of your life? they put the baby in your arms? >> something thanks. yes. thainchs.something chairchgs. c. >> there is a picture in the book, you have barron in a small motorized car his books all over the floor, children's books and your papers at desk, i said this is a working mom's life, we can relate to this. it is chaotic and hectic but so much fun, everyone tells tauzin jus to enjoy the moments, what was happen glig s happening. >> i did qvc collection. that sold out in 45 minutes. >> it was successful, i did

all at the same time, working and playing with barron, he has his own time with his karr a his -- car and his books it is important we she our children that -- we show our children that we're working to give them an example. how life is. that they see us, we're productive. that we have an idea that idea come to life. and that is how i was showing barron. >> and did you and donald trump did you can talk about having more children? did you want a longer family. >> i was always perfectly fine with one. and donald trump was encouraging to have more. and i said, like, i'm fine with one because, it is very busy life. and i wan i -- i know how busy he is in i'm in charge of everything that is why it

is just perfect. >> donald was on brian kilmeade's show last weekend. he asked about your relationship. >> i believe she loves her husband that is the biggest surprise to a lot of people, sh. >> what do you love most about your hus land. husband. >> his being, his humor his personality his kindness. he is positive, his energy is unbelievable. yes. we have a beautiful relationship. >> we see clips of donald trump giving a lady at cash register $100 to pay for her groceries, a little boy, invited him, he calls the

service members, their family members when they lose their lives, these are stories that a lot of people, you will not see it on other networks is that the man he is. >> that is the man he is. >> one word to describe him. >> caring, specially for this country. >> what do you like to do for fun, if you are not working. >> to have dinner, sometimes a quiet dinner or dinner with friends and listen to the music or different music. >> i hear he likes to be the dj . >> he likes to be the dj . it is very fun night when he does that. >> what you married donald trump he had 4 children, you talk about that in the book, it would seem fun have to life and children around you, you said i gave everyone their own space. grounded in love and respect. you done always agree but

acknowledged differing few points,. >>itake individuals as they are, you cannot control anyone, you can control only your own behavior. your own words. everyone is in control of their own self, i'm not in control of my husband. or in control of his children. i'm not in control of my child. he is his own person. and we all have yes, and nos, and we're all individuals, once you lead your life with respect, and love, that is all that matters. >> melania recounts moments she learned about the attempted assassination on her husband's life. >> on the floor, and you don't 91 what really smile! you found it. the feeling of finding psoriasis

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ainsley: how did you feel about donald trump running again. >> i support him, i know how passionate he is to make america great again,. ainsley: at rnc do you want to talk about why you done come out on stage and give a

speech. >> it was my decision, it was the time, ill think was right time, days before i wrote a beautiful letter to america. and i think in one way that letter was my speech. ainsley: the raida mar-a-lago, house manager texted you and said fbi south side of the house, they had access to my bedroom, closet, office and rum aned thro rummaged through my personal items and searched barron's room, how invasive was that, did it make you angry. melania: it made hig me angry, invasion of privacy the way it was done, i was surprised. ainsley: you told your house manager, leave it don't touch doing, don't put it back, you. ed to see it. -- you wanted to see twhark

did what did to look like? >> i saw unpleasant stuff that nobody wants to see it. and you get angry because, you know nobody should be putting up with this stuff, some person, i don't know who, or how many people, they you know they went through my stuff. ainsley: the assassination attempt the first one is in butler, pennsylvania, you write about watching the assassination attempt on tv you started working you were distracted you pushed pause your chief of staff called and said he is okay, there has been a shooting. what happened next. melania: i ran to the tv. and i rewound it. and i watched it, i was only a few minutes behind. >> look at what happened -- [ sound of gunfire ]

get down. melania: something i guess, looked over me, i didn't see live, but maybe a few minutes later, i saw it i, it was only nobody really knew, yet, because when you see him, on the floor, and you don't know, you don't know what really happened. juan: y. >> called him he did not answer you called secret service. melania: first secret service was not available, they were with him. and then, after that, i got the secret service on the phone, they said, that he is okay. we're on the way to the hospital. he will be okay. ainsley: were you able to talk to him. melania: i did. ainsley: your son, rushes into the room.

he was told? he is in college, i understand, he is still your child. this is his father. how difficult was that. melania: very difficult. he was outside playing sports. and he rushed in. was very, very difficult. ainsley: then a few weeks later another attempt on your husband's life at your golf course, where were you? what was your reaction? melania: i was in new york city. and i saw it on the television. i called again. and he was okay. because secret service were great, the guys they that were with him were fantastic. i think both of the events they were really miracles.

if you really think about it. the july 1 13, was a miracle, that much and he could not be with us. ainsley: he normally does not call for that one screen, he waits for the end of the speech, he said it waprovidence, how has it been for you. melania: i think something was watching over him. i think -- almost like country really needs him.. ainsley: maybe god sparing his life. melania: yes. ainsley: we were told this week and told authorities have known for a while, there was an iranian plot to kill your husband, i watched this video that you released

on social media questioning first assassination attempt. >> i can't help but wonder, why didn't law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? ainsley: second one, why didn't they scen sweep the course. >> it is interesting, how quiet and everything became, all of the mainstream media, there were a few days of reporting about july 13, and then it was quiet, i had a lot of questions, what is going on, this is not normal. and is it really shocking that all of the violence, goes against my husband. especially we hear leaders

from opposition party, and mainstream media, branding him as a threat to democracy. calling him vial names. they only are fueling a toxic atmosphere, giving power to the people they want to do harm to him. this needs to stop. this needs to stop. country needs to unite. and i encourage everyone to read my letter that i wrote on july 14, again. because that cannot continue. juan: letter was powerful, what made you get to point of writes that let jeer that how is i felt. that is how i felt. ainsley: how did you feel, people say, they don't like him, what do you wish they knew about him. melania: that he is really a family man, he loves his family, he loves this country, and all he wants to

build better, and prosperous.. ainsley: he is strong. not afraid to talk about the way it is. melania: high i he is strong, you could see the way he was shot, he stood up and said fight, fight, fight. because we cannot allow that to happen. ainsley: what was your reaction to kamala harris replacing joe biden as democratic nominee. melania: i see it is, the records speaks for itself. the country is suffering. people are not able to buy usual necessities. for the families. we have wars going on around the world. soldiers are dying. they were dying under this administration because of weak leadership.

the border is open. and dangerous. a lot of fentanyl is coming overkilling our youth. it is very hard to see. an economy it is really not great. inflation is high. and if we compare these four years with this administration compared to four years under my husband, as commander in chief, he was leading the country through peace through strength. and the border was safer than ever before. we didn't have any wars. people were prospering, they had jobs, they could support their families. so, i think american people need to decide what they really want, maybe some you

know, strong tweets but everything el great for the country. so, it is all in american's people's hands on november 5. ainsley: up next, melania talks about her time with wives of other world leaders, who she bonded with the most. melania: it was special known as a loving parent.

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melania. ainsley: becoming first lady, you wrote in book you found out you were watching fox news in trump tower, you write, i vividly recall bret baier's announcement. >> donald trump will be the 45th president of the united states. ainsley: he looked at you and said, can you believe it you said, yes, i can, your life immediately changed. when did it hit you, i'm the first lady of the united states? melania: i don't know that it hits you, but you know that you have extra, extra responsibility. ainsley: you walked out at the inauguration it was stunning and donald trump brought the bible that his

mother had given him as a child and lincoln bible that lincoln used for his inauguration, and your hus bhusband was sworn in, you talk about special bonds with first ladies, wives of prime ministers. some were fun, you bonded with a few. anyone come to mind? >> it is interesting because, when you meet many times, you establish relationship. so with mrs. macron, he had a great laughs. and with akeem, i am sorry what happened to him, it was very special relationships with you know with each of them. >> what was that like to meet queen elizabeth ii. melania: it was incredible,

she was very warm, very warm lady. and i describe in the book we had tea with her. and was a very smash moment. ainsley: meeting the pope, this was special to you, because you grew up as a catholic. >> it was a special meeting, very special. somewhe-- a special man, incredible visit in his holy highness' officers as later in the hospital, very touching. ainsley: that story was incredible too, a child who was 8 years old that needs a new heart, you prayed over him for him, your prayers were answered on the plane, heading to another country. >> yes. ainsley: you found out he received a heart. melania: he received a heart we received phone call they

had great news, he will have a donor for his heart. and it was a very joyful moment. ainsley: you also traveled to visit our soldiers at christmastime, you left your family, in the dead of night, and you fly to iraq to bless the troops, what was that like for you and the troop reaction. >> it was a secretive meeting. when we arrived, that night, the energy of the soldiers, we walked in and everything started cheering, they see us, like what a big sur bryce. big surprise. ainsley: they were not expecting that. >> not at all. ainsley: melania answers your viewer questions next.

ainsley: melania, this is a question from jill in north carolina. what surprised you most about living in the white house, and which room is your favorite. melania: what surprised me the most? i think, i arrived to the white house. and how was not some of the spaces in the rooms, they were not to expectations of the white house. just for example the rose garden was not renovated for decades. for decades. when i was asked to do it, it was my honor, and we did a beautiful job. everybody loves it. >> yes. i read -- i don't think i knew it, but rose garden architect was homestead, he is responsible for central park. like your little private central park. melania: it was a whole team

are, not just me sayings i need this, i was not just me in charge. there were a whole team. from historians to the architects. a big team. ainsley: you talked about decorating the rooms to fit your family, and first priority was barron's room. number two, marry from florida. she said what would you have done differently as first lady? melania: i think the team around you it is very important. very, very important. they need to have the same vision, they need to be in the white house for the right reasons. not for their own agendas. so that is the main part. because all of the rest i had a great success with my initiative. i traveled the world, i

brought international be best, and everyone time, i introduced it. the other countries, other first ladies they were so enthusiastic. they wanted to do something in their own countries as that as well. ainsley: from sasha in georgia, what your favorite place you visited while first lady. melania: favorite places? there were many, each country you went it was always a warm welcome, traditions, and cultures, that you learn. it is beautiful too have a knowledge about that. but, one of the special moments stayed with me, when i went to visit service members. it was on the aircraft carrier, middle of the ocean. visiting sailors, or when i

visited wounded soldiers in the walter reed or i fl flew too iraq to visit and surprise soldiers for christmas night. those moments will always stay with me, i often think about the people that i met. they still stay with you all of the time. all of the children in africa that i visited. so, it is -- very special moments, and they will stay with me fores forever. ainsley: shannon in maine, if you could meet and tell your 16-year-old self anything, what would you tell her and why. melania: interest, 16. listen to your inthantuition. why? because every time i did

that, it has proven me accurate. ainsley: up next, what life is like for melania with her only child now in college. melania: i hope he will have a great experience, its life is very different from any

ainsley: barron now so handsome, we have enjoyed watching him grow up, i'm brought of you for keeping his life private, he is now in college, what advice can you give us. what is it like being an.. >> i raised barron as his own person and gave his own yes, and nos, i respect that. it was his decision to come here, he wants to be in new york and study in new york. and live in his home. and i respect that. and he's incredible young

man. i am very proud of what he grew up to. his strength, his intelligence, his knowledge. his kindness. and he is enjoying his college days. i hope he will have a great experience. because his life is very different than any other 18, 19-year-old child. ainsley: i moved to tears in your book i read about loss of your mother, you said this about her loss. there i is an unparallel sorrow in losing a mother, a pronounce heartache that shatters the spirit to fragments for she the heartache feels insurmountable and weight of grief sophi is overwhelming. how do we -- what advice do you have i remember when my

mom lost my grand fath grandmother it was devastated, she walked away from god for a while, she find her way back. what advice do you have for people that are going through this to lose a parent. melania: it is a very moment that nobody prepares you. it is a grief that comes in waves. you need to feel it. you need to have that inner peace, that to go with it. to feel it. to experience it. and first of all, i want to thank all of the people around the world who sent a beautiful letters and prayers. very kind notes. thank you to everybody who

wrote me, who thought about me and my family. and was really deeply appreciated. ainsley: i know she lives on in barron, i remember at her funeral donald trump talked about how your mom would cook for him that probably why barron is so tall. melania: she was a very special woman, full of warmth, kindness and strength, her life was incredible in slovenia, she established a life mr. mysefor myself and my sister. incredible life. also my father. but her strength was admirable. and once barron was born he was her focus. she moved here to the united states to be close to him.

and to raise him in one way. it is almost like she was a second mother, because of my schedule in the white house. and being so busy. they had an incredible bond, her and barron it was a relationship like no other. ainsley: still ahead. melania tells us what is next for what tractor supply customers experience is personalized service. made possible by t-mobile for business. with t-mobile's reliable 5g business internet. employees get the information they need instantly. this is how business goes further with t-mobile for business. sometimes jonah wrestles with falling asleep... ...so he takes zzzquil. the world's #1 sleep aid brand. and wakes up feeling like himself. get the rest to be your best with non-habit forming zzzquil. ♪ ♪ nothing comes close to this place in the morning. i'm so glad i can still come here.

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ainsley: christmas at white house, you invited me to take a tour of white house with you, you put me through each room at white house, you decorated it so beautifully, i love this the ornaments how did you select them. melania: this is the represents how each child can excel on their own path. then you can see the mantle

the be best ornaments. ainsley: you have your own collection. melania: once i left white house i established my 2 platforms. fosters future. and we in those platforms, i designed art. and i designed collectable items that people collectors can purchase. can investment and now, it another season of christmas ornaments, very proud of it, because, with those proceeds, i have students in university that i sponsor, to advance their academic skoascholarships, i have many, i signed 3 more, the number is growing, i am

proud of what my team and i did. ainsley: your memoir coming out october 8, very soon. in december. you have another economr have -- announcement. melania: in december the collector's book is coming out, a big wide book with more pictures and inside it is like, pictures through my eyes. so, it's something that would be very special for the collectors to buy, and it will be available in december. ainsley: i enjoyed your book, i have it tagged one day it will belong to my daughter, she will learn so much more about your life, thank you for trusting us with your information and your book. melania: thank you s shannon: i am shannon bream. top my running leader and