First lady talks of courage after model describes affair

WASHINGTON » Melania Trump spoke about courage on Friday. What it is and why the world needs it. Her closely watched public appearance came a day after a former Playboy model told the world details of a 10-month affair the model said she had with a married Donald Trump a decade before he was elected president.

If the relationship Karen McDougal alleges was on the first lady’s mind, she gave no hint of it.

A standing ovation greeted a smiling Mrs. Trump as she entered a State Department auditorium for an annual awards ceremony honoring non-U.S. women for acts of courage.

“As we recognize these incredible women, let us think for a moment about what courage truly is,” the first lady said. “Courage is the quality most needed in this world. Yet, it is often the hardest to find.

“It takes courage not only to see wrong, but strive to right it.”