First Lady Melania Trump brought festive cheer to young patients at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Friday morning, continuing a cherished holiday tradition that spans generations of presidential spouses.
A Cherished Holiday Tradition Continues
The annual event, which dates back to the Truman administration when Bess Truman first made the visit, has seen every subsequent First Lady make the trip. Melania Trump has been a regular participant throughout her husband's first term in office. This year, she selected the children's book 'How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?' for a spirited reading session to a gathered crowd of children and staff.
Five-year-old patient Faith Hinkle was personally escorted by the First Lady to a plush red stool to ensure she had a prime spot for the story. Following the reading, Melania made sure Faith had a proper greeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who were present at the event. The First Lady also spent time talking to other young patients, distributing gifts that included special 'Be Best' ornaments.
Touching Moments and Reluctant Goodbyes
The most poignant moment came as Melania prepared to depart. After giving Faith Hinkle a hug, the five-year-old, visibly upset that her new friend was leaving, insisted on a second embrace. The First Lady also shared a warm squeeze with 11-year-old Riley Whitney, who had also helped escort her onstage.
In a festive exchange, Santa Claus presented Melania Trump with a commemorative gold coin inscribed with the words 'believe' and 'Merry Christmas'. This visit marked her second to the hospital this year, following a surprise Fourth of July trip.
A First Lady's Evolving Role and Schedule
The appearance is part of a slight increase in public engagements for Melania Trump, who is now spending more time in Washington, D.C. with the couple's son, Barron, attending college in the capital. This contrasts with her schedule during the earlier years of the Trump presidency, when she split her time between various residences including Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, and Bedminster.
Past visits have included playful question-and-answer sessions. In 2017, during her first holiday visit as First Lady, a 10-year-old patient named Andy asked where she would spend the holidays if she could go anywhere in the world. Her candid reply about a tropical deserted island with family raised eyebrows at the time, given her delayed move to Washington to allow Barron to finish his school year in New York.
Recently, the First Lady has reportedly been less than thrilled with the ongoing construction noise from the White House ballroom renovation, with the President himself joking about her requests to 'turn off the pile drivers.' Despite initial wariness about the decision to tear down the East Wing, which historically houses the First Lady's offices, she has reportedly come to appreciate the changes.
Friday's event at Children's National Hospital served as a heartwarming reminder of the non-partisan, compassionate traditions that First Ladies uphold, creating lasting memories for the young patients at the centre of it all.
