First Lady Melania Trump spent Thursday visiting critically ill children at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., ahead of the facility’s Fourth of July celebration. Melania joined young patients in arts and crafts, painting a red heart on a rock while children played nearby. She also toured the hospital’s “healing garden,” which she originally dedicated during her husband’s first term in office.

During the visit, Melania distributed gift bags featuring items from her “Be Best” initiative, including blankets, teddy bears, and t-shirts. She warmly engaged with the children, asking about their favorite sports and songs. When the conversation turned to desserts, chocolate and ice cream drew enthusiastic responses. “I like it too,” she said with a smile. Aides confirmed she also met privately with heart and kidney patients and their families.

Later this week, the first lady and President Trump are set to attend a military family picnic at the White House and view the Independence Day fireworks. They are expected to travel to the president’s New Jersey residence for the weekend. Though her public appearances have been less frequent during Trump’s second term, Melania has continued to take part in meaningful engagements on her own terms.

In March, she reemerged on the policy front by supporting the “Take It Down Act,” aimed at banning revenge porn and AI-generated deepfake content. “Protecting our youth from online harm is essential,” she said during a press conference promoting the legislation signed by President Trump earlier this year.

Despite her advocacy work, Melania has remained a target of political criticism. In April, spring garden tours were rescheduled due to protest activity near the White House. And in March, Rep. Maxine Waters sparked controversy by questioning Melania’s immigration status, despite the fact that she became a U.S. citizen in 2006.

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