First Lady Melania Trump visited Children’s National Hospital on Friday, reading ‘How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?’ to patients. A heartwarming video captured a little girl joyfully running to hug her, with Melania warmly bending down to give a hug to and speak with the ailling child.
The visit was part of the Trump White House’s festive activities, including unveiling elegant Christmas decorations themed “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” lighting the National Christmas Tree, and assembling care packages with Usha Vance for troops, where Melania praised the quiet strength of military spouses and families.
Starting off her comments, delivered at Joint Base Andrews, she said, “Today, we are surrounded by people whose strength is often quiet but always powerful. We speak regularly of the bravery of our service members, and we should, but we must also illuminate the bravery of those who walk beside them – the spouses who carry the weight of family life on top of their own.”
Continuing her comments, she praised the resilience of military families. “And yet, through every transition, every deployment, every homecoming, you continue to show grace, determination and unbreakable spirit. You keep life steady for your children,” she noted.
Concluding her remarks, the elegant first lady said, “You manage homes, careers, finances, and schedules, all while giving comfort to your family. You carry this extra responsibility because you love someone who has sworn to serve. Today, we are here with the American Red Cross, which has stood beside military families for generations.”
Additionally, in a post to social media, Melania Trump noted, “This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with endless possibilities.”
Watch the clip here:
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Offering an official take on the visit, the White House issued a statement. “Today, First Lady Melania Trump continued the longstanding annual tradition of first ladies visiting the Children’s National Hospital during the Christmas season. Mrs. Trump spent time with young patients and their families to support the courageous children receiving care,” officials declared.
Adding to this, the previous comment, the White House said, “Mrs. Trump began her visit in the hospital’s atrium and continued on to the Hematology and Oncology Unit. She read How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? to a small group of young patients and their families. Throughout her visit, Mrs. Trump spoke with patients, families, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, offering words of encouragement during this special time of year.”
Describing her reaction to the visit, Melania added, “Visiting Children’s National during the Christmas season is a tradition I cherish, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return again this year. Spending time with these brave children and their families is a reminder of the strength, hope, and love that define the holiday spirit. I want to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff at Children’s National for the exceptional care they provide during the holiday season and every day.”
Featured image from embedded video