First Lady Visits the Children’s Inn for Valentine’s Day Celebration

BETHESDA, Md.—First Lady Melania Trump visited with young patients and their families on Feb. 11 at The Children’s Inn, a nonprofit offering free stays for children undergoing studies and treatments at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The first lady was greeted by Lina, an 11-year-old Palestinian patient, who welcomed her with a large bouquet of roses.

“Thank you so much,” Trump said. “It’s so nice to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you.”

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, NIH director, met with the patients and their families before the festivities began. The event honored those receiving treatments and the staff working to identify cures for rare diseases.

“Love reveals itself in many forms, especially in the hardest moments of care and compassion,” the first lady said in a statement.

“The Children’s Inn provides important support to children who have been diagnosed with rare and serious diseases. Returning to The Children’s Inn at NIH is a special reminder of warmth that exists here year-round thanks to the profound resilience of these young people and the dedication of those working to provide comfort, hope, and support during clinical trials,” she said. “I wish them all a very happy Valentine’s Day.”

The first lady sat chatting with patients about their favorite pastimes while creating Valentine’s themed crafts with many pink and red hearts.

One young man asked the first lady how he should address her, saying he “knows a queen when he sees one,” prompting a laugh from the first lady, who said to call her “Melania.”

She told the children and young adults to “stay strong“ and said they would be in her thoughts.

The first lady, sporting a wool beige shirt dress adorned with little gold snaps paired with a dark red leather belt and beige colored snake pumps, offered advice to the group.

“It’s very important to speak up and say what you need,” she said.

When the conversation turned to artificial intelligence, Trump advised practicing caution with the new technologies.

“It’s very positive, but it could be very dangerous,” she said.

Smiles lit up the room as the First Lady and the young patients filled containers with candies and chocolates before they all signed a decorative poster and gathered for a group photo.

The first lady last visited The Children’s Inn in 2019, also for Valentine’s Day activities.

She attended three events at the inn during her husband President Donald Trump’s first term in office.

“We were deeply honored to welcome First Lady Melania Trump back to The Children’s Inn,” said Jennie Lucca, CEO of the Children’s Inn.

“Her visit brought joy and comfort to our children and families at a time when compassion and encouragement mean so much. This Valentine’s Day celebration served as a heartfelt reminder that our families are surrounded by care, support, and hope throughout their medical journey.”

The Children’s Inn has provided free accommodations for families participating in research studies at the NIH Clinical Center since 1990.