RNC 2020: Melania Trump Addresses Coronavirus, Shares Immigration Story; Eric Calls Biden A 'Pushover'

First Lady Melania Trump consoled American families that have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 pandemic in the keynote speech of Tuesday's Republican National Convention.

Speaking before a small audience from the White House for the virtual convention program, the first lady also emphasized the issues she cares about and wants help in fighting for. She largely steered clear of politics beyond touting her husband, President Donald Trump, for a second term.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one and my prayers are with those who are ill or suffering," she said. "I know many people are anxious and some feel helpless. I want you to know you are not alone."

She acknowledged her family's life has changed drastically since March because of the coronavirus, which has also impacted all of us. She said her husband "will not rest until he has done all he can to take care of everyone impacted by this terrible pandemic."

She also said her husband won't stop fighting "until there's an effective treatment or vaccine available to everyone." She expressed her deepest gratitude for the healthcare workers, frontliners and teachers dealing with the crisis, which has infected nearly 6 million Americans and taken the lives of more than 178,000 others.

"I want to extend my gratitude on to you, all of the health care professionals, frontline workers and teachers who stepped up in these difficult times," she said. "Despite the risk to yourselves and your own families, you put our country first and my husband and I are grateful."

Mrs. Trump's speech about COVID-19 stands in stark contrast to most of the speakers before her. Some political pundits point out the RNC has largely downplayed the pandemic. None of the 70 people that gathered to hear Mrs. Trump talk at the Rose Garden were seen wearing face masks.

Mrs. Trump also proudly recounted her 10-year journey to American citizenship. Born in Slovenia, she said she came to America when she was 26. She said one of the proudest moments in her life was when she became an American citizen.

She recalled growing up in Slovenia and hearing about "this amazing place called America," which was the land of opportunity. She then made it her goal to go to the U.S.

Mrs. Trump, however, said she wanted to be more than just a fashion model in America. "I wanted to be a citizen," she said. She attained this goal in 2006 when she became a naturalized U.S. citizen, the only first lady to do so.

She said she's most proud of her "Be Best" initiative launched in May 2018, which focuses on "well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse." In her speech, Mrs. Trump said she wants to ensure a better future for children with Be Best, asking the media to focus more on the fight against drug addiction.

President Trump made appearances again for the second night of the RNC to show support for her causes, including overseeing a naturalized citizenship ceremony and issuing a pardon of Jon Ponder.

Mrs. Trump became the first major speaker during the first two days of the Republican National Convention (RNC) to not fiercely condemn Democratic challenger Joe Biden and his party as the embodiments of socialist evil.

"I don't want to use this precious time to attack the other side because this will divide country further," she explained.

On the other hand, the family member who spoke before her, Trump's son Eric, went full bore in his attack on Biden and the Democrats. He described Biden as a "career politician who has never signed the front of a check and does not know the slightest thing about the American worker or the American business." He assailed Biden as "a total pushover" on China. He also claimed Biden will be "a giant relief for terrorists."

In the most controversial speech of the night, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered his address from Israel during what the White House described as a diplomatic trip. Critics claim Pompeo is using the visit for political purposes.

Day 3 of the RNC kicks off Wednesday with Vice President Mike Pence serving as the keynote speaker.