First lady Melania Trump unveiled her eagerly awaited policy platform from the White House Rose Garden on Monday, announcing a broad focus on well-being for children.
The initiative, titled BE BEST, will seek to "educate children about the many issues they are facing today," said Trump. It takes a multi-pronged approach, concentrated on "well-being, social media, and opioid abuse."
Her announcement marked her first speech from the White House since she became first lady nearly 16 months ago. Unique policy platforms are something of a tradition for first ladies, who usually pick one area of focus and develop related programs while in office. Michelle Obama, for example, focused on encouraging children to exercise and learn more about nutrition. Laura Bush's trademark issue was family literacy, a cause she has continued to work for since leaving the White House.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
BE BEST is slightly less specific, tackling physical health, emotional fortitude, and cyberbullying, which some have criticized as ironic given her husband's penchant for online name-calling. Trump spoke about allowing children to "enjoy their innocence" while still preparing to face the "evils" of the modern world. She explained her desire to promote organizations that are helping children, such as a nonprofit that treats infants who are born with a dependence on opioids, and an initiative to combat loneliness in elementary schools.
President Trump signed a Be Best proclamation after the first lady's speech, complimenting her "care and compassion for our nation's children."
-
Groypers: the alt-right group pulled into the foregroundThe Explainer The network is led by alt-right activist Nick Fuentes
-
10 concert tours to see this upcoming fallThe Week Recommends Concert tour season isn't over. Check out these headliners.
-
How to put student loan payments on pauseThe Explainer If you are starting to worry about missing payments, deferment and forbearance can help
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs saySpeed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign portSpeed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'Speed Read
