Speech writer accepts blame as Trump circus continues
CLEVELAND — The controversy over Melania Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention stretched into a third day Wednesday, after a Trump staffer admitted publicly for the first time parts of the address were plagiarized.
In a statement posted on the Trump website, Meredith McIver claimed responsibility for the gaffe, which has come to overshadow protests, policies and everything else at the convention.
McIver, who co-wrote several of Donald Trump’s books, said in the statement she worked with Melania Trump on several drafts.
“(W)e discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wanted to share,” it said.
“A person she has always liked is Michelle Obama. Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama’s speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that became the final speech.
“I did not check Mrs. Obama’s speeches. This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused.”
McIver, identified as a staff writer at the Trump organization, said she offered to resign, but was refused.
It’s the first time anyone associated with the Trump team has apologized for anything during the campaign, The New York Times reported.
The speech controversy has again raised questions about the competence of the Trump team. Most of that team — including his children and son-in-law Jared Kushner, a key adviser — were on hand Wednesday to greet Trump.
The nominee was scheduled to speak at a public rally on the waterfront Wednesday afternoon, but it turned out to be less speech than theatrical photo-op.
Reporters were penned into the centre of a green field between a football stadium and a science centre, while delegates and dignitaries watched from one side.
When Trump’s plane — identified with TRUMP on the side — flew into view, the volume on the house music swelled. The aircraft did a loop, then disappeared from view.
Minutes later, the music cranked up again. A new song kicked in. It sounded like the hero’s theme in an action film.
Then, a black Trump helicopter appeared. It circled the grass several times. As it finally descended, the music grew louder again. When it landed, Trump stepped out.
“We’re going to win Ohio,” he said, finally to the crowd.
“The last time I got accused of speaking a little bit long,” he said. “So this time I’m going to speak a lot short.”
He kept his word.