Melania Trump Release Farewell Message As First Lady

First lady Melania Trump shared a farewell video address to the American people on Monday, reflecting on her time at the White House over the past four years.

In the nearly seven-minute video posted on her First Lady Twitter account, Melania began her remarks expressing her gratitude for the U.S. military and their “incredible military families,” law enforcement members, and all of “incredible Americans” whom she said left her “humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people” as First Lady.

“My fellow Americans, It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as First Lady of the United States. I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness, courage, goodness, and grace,” Melania said in the video address entitled “A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump.” 

“The past four years have been unforgettable as Donald and I conclude our time at the White House, I think of all of the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism and determination,” Melania added. “I see the face of brave young soldiers who have told me with their pride in their eyes, how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families, you are heroes and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I think of all of the members of law enforcement who greet us everywhere we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe and we are forever in their debt.”

In the prerecorded remarks less than 48 hours before her husband, President Trump is set to leave office Wednesday at noon, Melania also reflected on her visiting engagements of children in hospitals and foster center centers, as well as meeting mothers who have battled and overcome their drug addiction.

“I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses, or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet,” Melania said. “I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of opioid addiction and have overcome incredible hardships for the love of their children. I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome and communities that give these children the support and care they need to grow.”

Melania spoke at length about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, thanking health care workers for their efforts in battling the deadly invincible virus. She conveyed condolences to the families of the COVID-19 victims while urging Americans to “use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered.” 

“I thank all of the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who are working to save lives,” Melania said. “I grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to the pandemic. Every life is precious.”

She took a moment to speak out against violence but did not directly address the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S Capitol. Melania urged Americans to “be passionate in everything you do, and always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified,” as she spoke about “love over hatred” and “integrity and values.” 

The First Lady touted her signature “Be Best” initiative and reflected on some of the program’s accomplishments both domestically and internationally. Melania launched the three-pillar campaign in 2018 dedicated to challenges and issues impacting the lives of children while emphasizing the importance of physical, social, and emotional well being. 

“The passion for helping children succeed would drive my policy initiative as First Lady. I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing everything we can to take care of the next generation,” Melania said.

She added, “In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nation’s drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system.”

Melania went on calling on Americans to become a “Be Best” ambassador.

“In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best, to focus on what unites us, to rise above what divides us, to always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself,” Melania said. “Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on America’s legacy of rising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness, and faith.”

On Friday, Melania bid farewell to her children’s wellness campaign, hailing the achievements of the initiatives as it “comes to a close at the White House.”

“As the legacy of #BeBest comes to a close at the @WhiteHouse, we must continue to give a voice to our Nation’s children & the issues that impact their lives,” Melania tweeted the video send-off message about her signature campaign posted on Twitter Friday morning. 

Wrapping up her speech, Melania expressed gratitude for being able to serve as first lady. 

“To all the people of this country, you will be in my heart forever,” she concluded.

The outgoing first couple will skip President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration and are expected to hold a departure exit ceremony similar to a state visit departure event Wednesday morning at Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force One for a final flight to Palm Beach, Florida.

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