Melania Trump's speech was well received until word spread that the speech contained two passages that matched almost word-for-word the speech that first lady Michelle Obama delivered in 2008 at the Democratic National Convention.

McIver's statement said she and Melania Trump had discussed many people who had inspired her, including Michelle Obama, "and messages she wanted to share with the American people". The ensuing media storm around Melania's speech has overshadowed the Republican convention and the GOP's effort to introduce Trump as their official candidate.

Ms McIver later included the phrases in a draft of the speech without checking Mrs Obama's speeches, she added.

"It's just another example, as far as we're concerned, that when Hillary Clinton is threatened by a female, the first thing she does is try to destroy the person", Trump advisor Paul Manafort said in response. "No harm was meant", McIver said in a statement.

A storm of controversy struck the Trump campaign this week due to similarities between the speech Melania gave on Tuesday at the convention, and the speech Obama gave at the 2008 DNC gathering.

Portman's campaign quickly disputed the idea of a rift between the OH senator and governor, who are longtime friends and colleagues.

NBC posted McIver's letter on Twitter.

CLEVELAND ― Donald Trump's top lieutenant kicked off the Republican National Convention on Monday morning by contemptuously dismissing John Kasich, the Republican governor of the host state, as a "dumb" crybaby and sore loser; by threatening to crush "recalcitrant" delegates; and by dismissing the Bush family as a brand to avoid rather than embrace.

She's a full-time staff writer there, and not, it seems, a paid member of his campaign, which raises questions about whether Trump violated campaign finance laws in using her help.

In the statement, McIver explained why Melanie and Michelle's speeches were so similar.

McIver said she "asked" to put out a statement because she was concerned about how the controversy was "distracting from Mr. Trump's historic campaign for president and Melania's attractive message and presentation". The Trump Organization is owned by Donald Trump. "I think he's the best choice", Winbush said. "Today, more than ever, I am honored to work for such a great family". McIver said she offered her resignation over the incident, but Donald Trump rejected it. He said the "primary reason" for his choice was that Indiana's unemployment had dropped by 3.4 percentage points in four years under Pence, and that its labor force had grown, which he said was "very unusual" for a USA state.

If he hedges onstage Wednesday night, Cruz will deliver another reminder of how Trump's polarizing, unpredictable bid for the nomination has alienated Republicans both on the right and in the centre.