President Donald Trump on Saturday night held his first campaign rally since losing the presidential election. In front of a crowd in Valdosta, Georgia, Trump repeated false claims that the election was rigged, while encouraging the crowd to vote in the upcoming Senate runoff elections.

In a show of support, first lady Melania Trump introduced President Trump at the rally. Speaking from a teleprompter, Melania's speech lasted about 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

"Hello, Georgia. It is wonderful to be here with you tonight," she said. "Thank you for coming out and supporting us."

Melania then touched on Trump's efforts as president before he addressed the crowd with a campaign-style speech that included unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

"President Trump continues to fight for you every single day. Do not let your voices be silenced," Melania said.

She then made a plea for Georgians to vote for Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the Jan. 5 runoff elections.

"We must keep our seats in the Senate. It is more important than ever that [you] exercise your right as an American citizen and vote," Melania said.

Shifting to policy matters, Melania referenced talking points from President Trump's presidential campaign.

"Under my husband's leadership, our borders are safer, global terrorists have been destroyed, and historic peace deals in the Middle East have been made. Our nation is respected again and our allies are now doing their fair share globally. President Trump has brought jobs back to the American people. And opportunities for women have expanded in our workforce," she said.

"Our economy has soared and unemployment has shrunk. When a global pandemic hit the United States last January, my husband put the American people first. And now, under this administration, and because of our amazing medical capabilities and resources, we are closer than ever to vaccinate that will save millions of lives."

After Melania's introduction, the Georgia crowd chanted, "Four more years."

Trump responded to the introduction. "A very popular first lady, I have to tell you," he said.

President Trump then continued to assert false claims about the election. “You know we won Georgia, just so you understand,” he told the crowd.

President-elect Joe Biden won Georgia by over 12,000 votes. He became the first Democratic presidential nominee to win the state since Bill Clinton in 1992. Biden leads the popular vote by over 7 million and won the electoral college, 306-232.

Despite the election results, President Trump insisted, “they cheated and rigged our presidential election.” He spent much of the rally casting doubt about Georgia’s voting system.

In a rare public statement, US first lady Melania Trump said the allegations about her husband published by The Atlantic magazine -- that he called fallen US Marines "losers" and "suckers" -- were false
In a rare public statement, US first lady Melania Trump said the allegations about her husband published by The Atlantic magazine -- that he called fallen US Marines "losers" and "suckers" -- were false AFP / SAUL LOEB
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