First Lady Melania Trump visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, spending time with young patients ahead of the Fourth of July. She participated in arts and crafts, painted with the children, and distributed gift bags promoting her “Be Best” initiative. Melania also met privately with families of heart and kidney patients and revisited the “healing garden” she dedicated during President Trump’s first term.
Though she’s kept a lower public profile during the second Trump administration, Melania has reemerged on her own terms—most notably supporting legislation against revenge porn and deepfake AI earlier this year, stating the importance of protecting youth from online harm.
Melania has faced political scrutiny since returning to Washington, including xenophobic remarks from Rep. Maxine Waters, who incorrectly questioned her citizenship despite Melania legally becoming a U.S. citizen in 2006. The White House recently rescheduled spring tours due to protests, citing safety concerns.
She and President Trump are expected to attend a Fourth of July military family picnic at the White House before traveling to New Jersey for the weekend.