Melania Trump Unveils 'Be Best' Initiative: 'Children Deserve Every Opportunity to Enjoy Their Innocence'

On Monday afternoon, in a speech from the White House Rose Garden, Melania Trump announced her first official initiative as First Lady: Be Best, which will focus on issues facing children in America today.

"There are too many critical issues facing children today. So the three main pillars of ‘Be Best’ will include well-being, social media use, and opioid abuse," Trump said. "Together I believe we should strive to provide kids with the tools they need to cultivate their social and emotional health. We can and should teach children the importance of social and self-awareness, positive relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Once a child understands these vital skills, they will be able to communicate openly with one another and instill positive feelings of mutual respect, compassion, and self-esteem. Let us teach our children the difference between right and wrong and encourage them to be best in their individual paths in life."

Given her husband's propensity for what some might call bullying on his own Twitter account, that particular pillar of the platform is sure to bring about the most criticism. But the First Lady didn't shy away from addressing social media. "As we all know, social media can both positively and negatively affect our children. But too often, it is used in negative ways," she said. "When children learn positive online behaviors early on, social media can be used in productive ways and can affect positive change." She says she believes that "children deserve every opportunity to enjoy their innocence."

According to the Be Best page on the official White House website, it will "champion the many successful well-being programs that provide children with the tools and skills required for emotional, social, and physical health. The campaign will also promote established organizations, programs, and people who are helping children overcome some of the issues they face growing up in the modern world."

After the First Lady's speech, the President signed a proclamation of support for Be Best and said a few words about his wife. "Over the past 15 months, Melania has visited hospitals, schools, families who have suffered from the opioid crisis and suffered very deeply. Everywhere she has gone, Americans have been touched by her sincerity, moved by her grace, and lifted by her love," he remarked. 'Melania, your care and compassion for our nation's children—and I have to say this, and I say to you all the time — inspires us all."

Ivanka Trump also offered her support and congratulations via tweet writing, "Your efforts will help inspire children and adults across America to Be Best."

Often First Ladies design their platforms around areas of personal passion and interest: Nancy Reagan created her "Just Say No" program while Laura Bush focused on literacy. Most recently, Michelle Obama created the "Let's Move" campaign to combat childhood obesity. Stay tuned for updates as more concrete plans come together around the First Lady's initiative.