Melania Trump sits with families of illegal immigrants’ victims, gets standing ovation

Melania Trump sits with six special guests during US President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Trump’s administration reportedly invited relatives of people that have been killed by illegal immigrants.

Daily Mail notes that the first lady has received a standing ovation as she arrives in the Congress. The 46-year-olds sported a sequinned Michael Kors black suit.

Jessica Davis and Susan Oliver, the widows of two California police officers killed by an illegal immigrant are among the guests. Jamiel Shaw Sr., the father of man shot by another undocumented immigrant, also sits with the first lady.

Megan Crowley, who was diagnosed with Pompe disease, was also invited. Denisha Merriweather, who enrolled in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, and Maureen McCarthy Scalia, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia are also part of the guest list.

The guest lists seems to be a reflection of Trump’s early policies in office. During his address to the Congress, the president said he felt honoured to have Scalia, whose seat was close to Melania’s. Trump also supposedly announced that federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch is his choice to succeed her husband on the Supreme Court.

The first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, were also in attendance. Ivanka was seated next to the widow of a Navy SEAL slain.

Moreover, Trump has paid tribute to the life of William 'Ryan' Owens, who was killed on a Special Forces raid on an al-Qaeda base in January. His wife, Carryn Owens, received standing ovations as tears poured down her face.

“Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero — battling against terrorism and securing our nation,” the president said during his address. He said the late officer has laid down his life for his friends, for the country and for freedom.

Meanwhile, Trump has described Crowley as an incredible young woman who served as an inspiration. He shared that his guest was diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was an infant.

The president believes that cutting restraints at the Food and Drug Administration would create more stories like Crowley’s. “If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan,” he said.

Trump also urged the federal government to help Americans in purchasing their own coverage. Tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts, he said, can be utilised.