Outrage at Melania Trump's 'White House photoshoot' amid riots

While a mob stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a pro-Trump riot which left five people dead, Melania Trump was reportedly photographing rugs in the White House for her coffee table book.

According to CNN, the First Lady, who remained silent on social media, was spotted with professional lighting and videography by a source outside the White House.

US First Lady Melania Trump boards a plane at Andrews Air Force Base for a three state overnight trip March 4, 2019 in Maryland. - The First Lady travels to Oklahoma, Washington, and Nevada as part of her "Be Best" tour.
While the US riots were taking place, Melania Trump was reportedly photographing rugs at the White House. Photo: Getty Images

"Photos were being taken of rugs and other items in the Executive Residence and the East Wing," the insider said.

People online have expressed their shock at Melania going ahead with the alleged photoshoot, while just a short distance away, rioters stormed the US Capitol in an assault on American democracy.

“So glad #MelaniaTrump gets to spend time with #selfcare. Life has been so stressful for her. Who could begrudge her that while rampaging hordes overrun the Capitol and people are dying in droves?!” one person wrote.

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Supporters of US President Donald Trump, including member of the QAnon conspiracy group Jake Angeli, aka Yellowstone Wolf (C), enter the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. Photo: Getty Images

“Melania was busy getting a photo shoot for her new book. I kid you not. That is real,” another said.

One person simply called the First Lady’s reported photoshoot ‘disgraceful’.

Melania’s chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, resigned after the riots, as did White House social secretary, Anna Cristina "Rickie" Niceta.

The revelation comes just hours after people were questioning why Melania Trump had remained so silent throughout the riots.

President Donald Trump speaks after pardoning Corn, the national Thanksgiving turkey, in the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in Washington, as first lady Melania Trump watches.
Melania is said to be working on a coffee table book. Photo: Getty Images

Melania hasn’t posted on Twitter since January 2nd, when she wrote: “Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear! May 2021 be filled with the blessings of joy, good health & peace throughout the year!”

Meanwhile, her step-daughter, Ivanka Trump, was called out for labelling rioters ‘American patriots’ in a tweet in which she called for an end to violence.

“American Patriots - any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop. Please be peaceful,” she wrote, in an attempt to stem increasing hostility in Washington DC.

Pro-Trump protesters seen on and around Capitol building. Rioters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Police used batons and tear gas grenades to eventually disperse the crowd. Rioters used metal bars and tear gas as well against the police.
Pro-Trump protesters seen on and around Capitol building. Rioters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Photo: Getty Images
Ivanka Trump deleted patriots tweet
Ivanka deleted this tweet after calling rioters 'patriots'. Photo: Twitter/Ivanka Trump

However, her use of the term ‘patriots’ was quickly questioned.

CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett called out the senior advisor to the President on the social media platform, asking: “You're saying these people are ‘patriots’??”

The tweet was then deleted, but not before screenshots were shared.

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