Melania Trump speaks out against critics and says she remains ‘true to herself' at Florida rally

First Lady faces growing scrutiny amid declining number of public appearances since husband's inauguration

Melania Trump has hit back at her critics - saying she will always remain “true to herself” and to Americans.

The First Lady made the remarks in a short address before introducing husband Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally in Florida on Saturday.

She has come under growing scrutiny after being mostly absent from public appearances during the first month of her husband’s Presidency.

Addressing the crowd in Florida, Ms Trump said: “I will always stay true to myself and be truthful to you no matter what the opposition is saying about me.”

Her comments come after the 46-year-old faced criticism for not following her husband into the White House, but deciding to continue living in New York until their 10-year-old son, Barron, finishes the school year.

The US President previously defended his wife, saying she was “the highest quality you will ever find” and that she had been "unfairly maligned".

Before introducing her husband, Ms Trump started her address by saying “let us pray” and recited the words of the Lord’s Prayer.

“It is my honour and great pleasure to stand here before you as the First Lady of the United States," she said.

“The America that we envisioned is one that works for all Americans and where all Americans can work and succeed.

“A nation committed to a greater civility and unity between people from all sides of the political divide."

The First Lady also pledged to act in the best interest of all Americans and pursue initiatives to help women and children across the world.

“I will act in the best interest of all of you. I am committed to creating and supporting initiatives dear to my heart, which will have an impact on women and children all around the world,” she said.

A stylist and friend of the Presidential couple Phillip Bloch previously said Ms Trump was “miserable” in her new role as First Lady, where she faces increasing media scrutiny, and she she was “staying hidden”, in the New York Trump Tower.