Melania Trump returned to a beloved tradition on Thursday morning, making a surprise visit to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. It’s a longtime ritual for First Ladies, but one Melania has always approached with unmistakable grace and sincerity.
Wearing a pleated black-and-white polka dot blouse tucked into a cream skirt, she looked as polished as ever. But it was her choice of footwear that caught eyes: a pair of cream Roger Vivier ballet flats, adorned with the brand’s iconic silver buckle. The designer shoes retail for nearly $900. They are stylish, yet understated for the soft-spoken First Lady.
“No, I don’t play golf,” Melania Jokes
Melania spent time painting rocks and creating festive Fourth of July crafts with the young patients and their families. When asked if she shares her husband’s passion for golf, she smiled and replied, “No, I don’t play golf,” drawing laughter from the group.
She handed out patriotic teddy bears, each one holding a miniature American flag, and invited the children to next year’s 250th Independence Day celebration at the White House, complete with fireworks and a flyover.
A Gentle Walk and a Healing Moment
Melania also joined the hospital’s President and CEO Michelle Riley-Brown for a walk through the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden, a peaceful space where the First Lady’s calm presence seemed to brighten the day even more.
A Tradition of Quiet Service
The visit follows in the footsteps of previous First Ladies like Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, who regularly visited the hospital. But for Melania, these moments have always been more than ceremonial. In her 2021 farewell message, she reflected on her hospital visits:
“Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, [the children] bring such a joy to everyone they meet.”
Next Stop: A Reunion with a Freed Hostage
After her hospital visit, Melania was scheduled to join President Trump in the Oval Office to meet Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage recently freed after 584 days in captivity by Hamas. The reunion marks another powerful moment for the couple as they continue balancing public life with moments of real human connection.
On Friday, the Trumps are set to host a military picnic and fireworks show on the South Lawn, continuing the holiday festivities and reminding supporters that for Melania Trump, elegance and empathy are still very much in style.