Former first lady Melania Trump made a rare appearance as she introduced her husband and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden. A video emerged showing the couple hugging after Melania introduced her husband as the “next commander in chief.”

She was not listed as one of the speakers but spoke for five minutes before introducing Donald Trump. The crowd cheered as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who is also promoting the former president, introduced them.

While calling for her husband's re-election, Melania Trump said US citizens are struggling with a decline in quality of life.

“Unfortunately, a declining quality of life combined with economic instability today makes it difficult for businesses and American ingenuity to thrive among determined citizens who run through city streets and between offices in search of success,” she said.

“Let us attack together with a shared vision built on American greatness. “Let’s seize this moment and build a country for tomorrow – the future we deserve,” Melania Trump added.

This was Melania Trump's first rally of the current election cycle. With just days to go before the US elections on November 5, Melania made a surprise appearance and addressed the crowd gathered at Madison Square Garden.

Addressing the crowd, Donald Trump said he would stop an “invasion of criminals into our country” if he wins the November 5 election. The former president also called Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris a “low IQ person,” another dig at her.

In his remarks, Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris a “train wreck” and said her election would “put the lives of millions at risk.”

Opening speakers at Trump's rally included former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and his sons Eric and Don Jr.

“Today this is Donald Trump’s house,” Hulk Hogan said, downplaying comments in which he accused Donald Trump of being a fascist.

Polls show the rival candidates are neck and neck in battleground states that will decide the next president with just over a week until Election Day. According to Reuters, more than 38 million votes have already been cast.