Ahead of Mother's Day, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a celebration for military mothers. The event was held on Thursday in the East Room of the White House, where the first lady was joined by her husband President Donald Trump, as well as by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
© Emily J. HigginsThe second lady looked sophisticated wearing a sleeveless dress from Badgley Mischka that featured flowers on the skirt. Usha complemented her spring look with floral Oscar de la Renta earrings.
Alongside photos of himself and his wife at the event, the vice president wrote on X: ".@SLOTUS and I had a wonderful time at the Military Mothers’ Celebration at the White House yesterday!"
© Emily J. HigginsUsha and JD are parents of three. The vice president and second lady share daughter Mirabel and sons Ewan and Vivek.
President Trump mentioned the second lady in his speech at the event, calling Usha "a mother of three young children," adding of the kids, "We know that they're going to do very well in school because they [JD and Usha] were the two top students at Yale Law School, so genetically they should be in good shape, right? They're not gonna say 'Gee mom, I can't figure this out.'"
The president also praised his wife Melania in his remarks, calling the first lady "one of the best moms" he knows. The president said, "I especially want to thank one of the best moms that I know, that I've ever seen, sometimes she's almost too good. She's so good with Baron, but he's growing up strong and nice and he's a good boy, he's a good student, so I want to thank you. You've done a good job. Thank you, honey. Great first lady."
In her own speech at the event, the first lady spoke about motherhood, describing it as the "life-changing event that makes women invincible and exposed at the same time." "It’s remarkable, really, that my son’s life creates unimaginable, unpredictable concerns and thrills for me, even until this day. All caring mothers understand this rare feeling. Nothing against fathers, of course, but in my opinion, and I'm sure everyone in this room agrees, only a mother can grasp this particular point," Melania said. "Military mothers and America, together, have developed an extraordinary, parallel journey. They are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss and healing. Certainly, only military mothers have experienced this level of grace and resilience of American life."
© Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesShe continued, "And finally, aging, a sudden shift in family dynamics, an unexpected positioning change in life when caretakers become the caregivers. If this has happened within your family, you understand the precious nature of motherhood. Here now, in the White House, at this pivotal moment, I urge you to prioritize your well-being. Nurture yourself, for your strength is the bedrock of a brighter future for our children. By caring for ourselves, we empower the next generation to thrive. Together, let’s build a legacy of resilience and hope. Your journey matters. Embrace it."
The first lady concluded her remarks saying, "And indeed, the sacred strength of women is a profound force. With unwavering love and nurturing wisdom, we have the ability to inspire, uplift and shape the future hearts of our children. This power, rooted in compassion and resilience, is a beacon of hope that lights the way for generations to come. Let us unite to honor the beauty of motherhood, champion the grace of our journey and inspire those who follow. A mother’s love and wisdom empower our children to flourish, instilling in them the courage to reach their fullest potential: motherhood. Happy Mother’s Day, everyone."
