Melania Trump says she 'stands proudly' behind nude modelling work as she compares it to 'Renaissance art'

In the latest promotional video released yesterday, the former US first lady, 54, asked: "Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modelling work?"

She continued: "The more pressing question is: why has the media chosen to scrutinise my celebration of the human form in a fashion photoshoot?"

Her video featured images of classical artworks, including Michelangelo's David and Cézanne's Bathers.

She argued that "master artists have revered the human shape" throughout history, urging people to "honour our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression".

https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND pic.twitter.com/FH9SRFQeUR

— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) September 18, 2024

In the voiceover, the former First Lady added: "Throughout history, master artists have revered the human shape, evoking profound emotions and admiration.

"We should honour our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression."

Trump’s nude photos were republished by US media outlets in the run-up to the 2016 election when her husband won the presidency.

Although she has rarely joined her husband on the campaign trail during the 2024 election, she did make an appearance by his side on stage at the Republican National Convention in July.

She rarely comments on politics but has become increasingly outspoken in recent weeks as she prepares for the publication of her memoir, Melania, on October 1.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Meghan and Harry set to remain neutral in election after Kamala snub
• Inside the Reform UK constitution: The six key policies that should terrify the Tories
• Immigration: The Truth - the changing face of Britain - a GB News documentary

It comes as recent polls show Vice President Kamala Harris maintaining a narrow lead over Trump in the US presidential race.

According to a Morning Consult poll, Harris leads Trump by 51 per cent to 45 per cent among likely voters.

Independent voters are playing a crucial role, with 47 per cent supporting Harris and 41 per cent backing Trump. The race remains tight in key battleground states.

Newsweek's polling tracker indicates Harris leads by three points nationally and by smaller margins in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Trump holds a slight edge in Arizona, whilst Georgia and North Carolina are considered dead heats.

Last night, Vice President Harris called for an end to the Israel-Gaza war and said that Israel must not reoccupy the Palestinian enclave once the nearly year-old conflict comes to an end. According to the Gaza health ministry said least 41,252 people have been killed and 95,497 wounded since the start of the offensive.

Speaking in Philadelphia to the National Association of Black Journalists, she called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants, a two-state solution and Middle East stability in a way that does not empower Iran.

Meanwhile, Trump claimed he was being targeted by “radical left” forces and vowed to campaign with renewed purpose at his first full-fledged campaign rally since an alleged second assassination attempt on Sunday.

Trump blamed a “violent, radical-left monster” for the alleged attempt on his life, and later used similar language to describe his opponent in the election. He did not cite any evidence backing his claim that the “radical left” was responsible for the attempts on his life.