A Donald Trump employee who helped write Melania Trump’s speech at the Republican convention in Ohio has said she accepts responsibility for the “mistake” that led to claims of plagiarism.
Ms Trump’s speech on Monday night caused uproar when critics pointed out similarities to a speech made by Michelle Obama in 2008. The incident overshadowed what should have been a triumphant night for Mr Trump, and is said to have greatly angered the Republican presidential candidate.
The woman, Meredith McIver – a staff writer at the Trump Organization – released a statement on Wednesday apologising for using the language, which she said Melania Trump recited to her in a phone call, without checking to see how closely it matched Ms Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention eight years ago.
Ms McIver writes: “In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wanted to share with the American people. 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 ultimately 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 Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant.
“Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Mr. Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Mr. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences.
“I asked to put out this statement because I did not like seeing the way this was distracting from Mr. Trump’s historic campaign for president and Melania’s beautiful message and presentation.
“I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. Today, more than ever, I am honored to work for such a great family. I personally admire the way Mr. Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding.”
Mr Trump’s nominee for vice-president, Indiana governor Mike Pence, will be the keynote speaker on the third day of the Republican convention in Cleveland.