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.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
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."
