First Lady Melania Trump has upheld a cherished seasonal custom by spending time with young patients at a leading children's hospital in Washington, D.C.
A Festive Afternoon at Children's National Hospital
On Friday 05 December 2025, Melania Trump arrived at Children's National Hospital in the nation's capital. She was escorted into the festively decorated atrium by two young patients: an 11-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. The setting featured a tall Christmas tree, where the First Lady took a seat in a large red chair.
To an audience of about two dozen child patients and others, she read the holiday story "How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?" by author Mac Barnett. After closing the book, she addressed the children directly with a message of hope and seasonal cheer.
"I'm sure Santa will visit all of you this Christmas and bring you a lot of toys," she told them. "So I wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year. I wish you a lot of strength and love." She added that President Donald Trump was also "sending love and best wishes."
Private Visits and Personal Gifts
Following the group reading, Mrs Trump chatted individually with the children in the atrium. She then proceeded for private visits with patients in the hospital's hematology and oncology wing.
The visit included several poignant moments. A Santa Claus present in the room slipped her a special gold-coloured coin inscribed with the words "Believe" and "Merry Christmas." The First Lady also distributed gifts to the patients, which included tree ornaments stamped with "Be Best," the name of her child well-being initiative.
Continuing a Decades-Old First Lady Tradition
This holiday hospital visit continues a tradition started by Bess Truman, who served as First Lady from 1945 to 1953. For decades, the wives of U.S. presidents have made similar seasonal gestures to bring comfort and attention to children facing hospital stays during the festive period.
Melania Trump's engagement highlighted the ongoing work of pediatric healthcare institutions and offered a moment of distraction and joy for the young patients and their families during a challenging time.
