WASHINGTON—First Lady Melania Trump was the guest of honor at the 113th First Lady’s Luncheon hosted by the Congressional Club on Thursday commemorating the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.
She called on audience members to work together prioritizing opportunities for young minds and the future of the nation.
“America’s children are our moral equals,” Trump said. “As parents and leaders, it is our ethical obligation to ensure our kids develop emotionally and physically within a safe environment.”
Reuniting children displaced by the war between Ukraine and Russia is of paramount importance for the first lady, who recently announced a fourth successful reunification.
She addressed the congressional Ways and Means Committee April 15 to support legislation aimed at protecting children in foster care systems. She also oversees programs enacted by President Donald Trump on Nov. 13, 2025, with an executive order titled “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families.”
Foster youth benefit from university scholarships and career training opportunities in about a third of states nationwide, with more programs under development.
“The world doesn’t move for those who stop,” the first lady said.
She also led efforts to pass the Take it Down Act, criminalizing the publication of nonconsensual content, with the first federal conviction secured April 7 by the Department of Justice.
“Progress is not granted. You must be the composer,” Trump said. “Embolden your influence in the community with a strong vision for the future.”
The Housing and Urban Development Department’s 2026 budget includes $30 million for foster youth housing.
An advocate of education, the first lady spoke to the United Nations Security Council about peace and academics in March.
Nearly 3,000 schools across the country participated in the White House AI workshop, and every state joined the Presidential AI challenge, with administrators and educators helping students master newly developing technologies.
“We are not here to prepare our children for yesterday’s world,” Trump said. “Be purposeful with your objectives and remember that AI accelerates everything.”
Spouses of leaders from nearly 50 countries met with the first lady for a summit at the White House in March with representatives from 28 companies including Meta, Palantir, and X.
Trump highlighted efforts underway through her initiatives while looking forward to more advancements gained through bipartisan collaboration.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as first lady; but understand that my persistence alone is not enough. Together, we can change people’s lives for the better,” she said.
“America’s children will ultimately protect our future freedom.”
Second Lady Usha Vance spoke briefly before introducing Trump.
“Serving as first lady for two terms is no small feat, but ours does it with inspiring grace and poise,” Vance said.
Chair of the ceremony Robin Allen, wife of Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.), organized the festivities, themed as “Celebrating 1776 with Georgia on My Mind.”
Approximately 2,000 former and current spouses of Congress members, Supreme Court justices, administration officials, and their guests from around the country attended the event, held at the Washington Hilton.
Attendees received swag bags adorned with Master’s logos from the historic golf tournament held in Augusta, Georgia, and filled with various goodies—including a commemorative plate recognizing the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Continuing with tradition, the club presented Trump with an original painting, by Georgian Steve Penley, celebrating the nation’s historic anniversary.
Members of the press were invited to the gathering for the first time. The club has a no politics, no publicity policy, but the rules were adjusted to accommodate coverage of the first lady’s address.
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