Melania Trump recently experienced a heartwarming moment with a young fan during her visit to The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health, where she was engaging in Valentine’s Day crafts with children facing health challenges.
The First Lady brought a touch of joy to the facility on Wednesday, as she participated in a lively arts-and-crafts session alongside the patients and their families. Her presence lit up the room, especially when she was greeted with a bouquet from an 11-year-old admirer.
With a smile, Melania took her place at the craft table, declaring, “It’s a celebration day.” She expressed her happiness in being there by noting, “I’m glad to be here. It’s my fourth time here.” Her words conveyed a sense of familiarity and warmth, which was well-received by everyone present.
Encouraging the children to engage openly, she gently prompted them, “Don’t be shy.” This invitation led to a charming exchange with Marlon, the brother of one of the patients, who couldn’t resist a bit of flattery. He quipped, “I don’t play chess but I know a queen when I see one,” bringing a smile to the First Lady’s face.
Melania encouraged them to speak freely, saying, ‘Don’t be shy,’ and one young admirer couldn’t resist trying a little smooth talk with her.
‘I don’t play chess but I know a queen when I see one,’ said Marlon, the brother of a patient.
The First Lady smiled and called him a ‘charmer,’ telling all the girls to ‘watch out’ for the Romeo.
She also bonded with Marlon’s brother, Donovan, as he is being treated for acute myeloid leukemia.
Melania Trump was seen laughing as she joked with Marlon to ‘smile for the camera’
Melania beamed during a pre-Valentine’s day visit to the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda
Trump makes a Valentine’s Day card and other festive crafts as she visits with children
The pair chatted about their interests like sports and dancing.
When FLOTUS asked if he liked to dance, he joked about having ‘two left feet,’ and she said she loves to dance but rarely has time.
The first lady also discussed her personal work, like helping foster children and running the president’s AI challenge.
The AI topic turned heads, but she quickly cautioned the children to use the technology carefully.
‘It’s very positive but you have to be vigilant. You cannot believe everything,’ she explained.
She offered advice as the kids endure on their treatment for their rare illnesses, and explained her self care routine.
‘Take care of yourself. Exercise. That is critical,’ she said.
After making flower bouquets and lanterns out of construction paper, they gathered at a decorated dessert bar.
The table was laid out with mini cupcakes and jars of mini chocolates and other pink-and-red candies.
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The first lady standing with others at the dessert bar, where she admitted that she doesn’t eat many sweets
FLOTUS and the children made pink flower bouquets and festive lanterns out of construction paper
This was her first visit to The Children’s Inn since President Trump took office for the second time
Speaking freely, as she encouraged the kids to do, she admitted, ‘I don’t eat much sweets. Sugar isn’t very healthy for us.’
The Children’s Inn is a nonprofit in Bethesda, Maryland, that houses and supports children, teens, and young adults undergoing clinical trials for rare diseases.
This was her first visit to The Children’s Inn since President Trump took office for the second time.
It was her fourth overall visit as first lady; she visited three times during the first term.
Melania handed out bright gift bags to the children, smiling warmly as she wished them well.
‘Stay strong. I will think about you,’ she said.
