Melania Trump, the wife of 45th President Donald J. Trump and mother to their son Barron, is notable for being the second First Lady born outside the United States and the only one to become a naturalized citizen. Through her BE BEST initiative, she has emerged as a champion for kindness and a voice for vulnerable children and families.
Born on April 26, 1970, in Slovenia, Melania began her modeling career at the age of 16, quickly rising to prominence in high-profile advertising campaigns and collaborating with top photographers in the fashion world. In 1996, she moved to New York City and ten years later became a U.S. citizen.
Throughout her life, Melania has been actively involved in her community. In 2005, she served as Honorary Chairwoman for the Martha Graham Dance Company and was named a Goodwill Ambassador by the American Red Cross, a position she held for four years. She also spent five years as Honorary Chairwoman of the Boys’ Club of New York and received the Woman of the Year award from the Police Athletic League in 2006.
In 2010, she chaired a campaign for the American Heart Association that raised $1.7 million for research and launched her own jewelry collection that same year. While she gained recognition for her modeling career and community involvement, Melania has always prioritized her role as a mother and wife. In 2017, she and her family made the White House their home.
As First Lady, Melania focuses on various issues affecting children nationwide. She embodies compassion and dedication, spending time with children around the globe—in schools, hospitals, and communities. Her BE BEST campaign promotes the well-being of children and highlights programs that aim for a brighter future. The initiative centers on three pillars: promoting emotional health, ensuring online safety, and addressing the opioid crisis, especially its impact on vulnerable populations.
Through BE BEST, Melania has traveled to National Parks to emphasize the importance of nature and history, worked with organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA to prepare children for emergencies, and raised awareness about critical issues such as Sickle Cell Disease and child welfare.
Recognizing the significance of online safety in children’s lives, she has engaged with tech leaders to promote resources for protecting young users and educated parents on healthy online habits. Melania has also met families affected by online violence, amplifying the need for awareness.
In response to the opioid epidemic, she has raised awareness about its devastating effects, particularly on infants, by visiting treatment centers and hospitals. Her aim is to reduce the stigma around addiction and encourage effective treatment options in communities.
Internationally, Melania embarked on a solo trip to Africa in 2018, where she visited schools and hospitals, showcasing impactful USAID programs. She has also joined the President on numerous global trips, meeting with heads of state to discuss child welfare.
Melania has a deep appreciation for military families, visiting bases both domestically and abroad, including Iraq in 2018. She worked with Second Lady Karen Pence to expand the American Red Cross Comfort Kit program for deployed troops during the holidays.
In 2020, she played a vital role in honoring the centennial of the 19th Amendment and women’s suffrage by hosting an art competition for children and collaborating with the bipartisan Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission to pass legislation for the “Every Word We Utter” monument in Washington, D.C.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melania used her platform to share public service announcements from the CDC and maintained communication with government officials and community leaders. She also organized care packages and provided meals to frontline workers.
As First Lady, Melania Trump remains committed to advocating for children and the causes she is passionate about, looking forward to continuing her work in these areas.
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