Melania Trump Unveils “Be Best” Program, After Criticism Of Her Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign

Melania Trump, who has been noticeable absence from the public sphere since the Stormy Daniels case has expanded, delivered a speech in the White House Rose Garden Monday, launching her initiative to focus on teaching children to put kindness first, particularly involving social media.

“We can and should teach children the importance of social and self-awareness, positive relationship skills and responsible decision making,” Melania said as the president, Vice President Mike Pence and other members of her husband’s administration were huddled closely around her.

Melania’s program, dubbed “Be Best,” is still short on details. According to the New York Times, “Mrs. Trump’s program will primarily repackage projects that already exist.” An initiative already in place by the National Safety Council that encourages those who abuse opioids to talk with their doctors about treatment and federal guidelines on children’s social media activities both already exist as independent initiatives but will be re-purposed as part of Melania’s campaign.

The First Lady’s staff has said it will continue to seek new ideas based on places she has visited.

Critics have called into question the grand scope of Melania’s vision believing it to be too broad to tackle all at once.

Stephanie Grisham, Melania’s spokeswomen, said, “there are too many critical issues facing children today for her to just choose one… She wants to use her platform as First Lady to help as many children as she can.”

The First Lady’s original goal was to combat cyberbullying, however, she slowly backed away from that initiative as it became clear that critics would continue to point out her husband’s own use of online insults. Still, Melania she hasn’t dropped the plan completely, instead making good online behavior part of her broader initiative.

Melania has said that though she has found the transition from private citizen to First Lady difficult, she has been particularly warmed by letters she has received from children who have been bullied, inspiring her to embrace some of the possibilities her new role has to offer.

Article by Eric Silverman