Trump staffer 'feels terrible' for chaos caused over Melania's plagiarised speech

A Trump staffer has published a public apology accepting responsibility for Melania Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention after it became clear some elements had been copied from Michelle Obama.

The statement, written by in-house writer Meredith McIver, says that she worked with Melania Trump on the speech, and that they had "discussed many people" that were inspirations, including Michelle Obama.

"Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs Obama's speech as examples.

"I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech."

The statement, which was published on Donald Trump's campaigning site, adds that Meredith offered her resignation to the Trump family and Mr Trump, and that they had rejected it.

"I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused," it said. "No harm was meant."

Donald Trump was officially declared the Republican presidential candidateon Wednesday at the party's national convention in Cleveland, Ohio.