Melania Trump brought smiles to young patients during a surprise visit to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 3. Her appearance marked both a continuation of a long-held tradition and a rare public outing.
Wearing a pleated black-and-white polka dot blouse tucked into a cream-colored knee-length skirt, Melania looked effortlessly chic and summer-ready. But it was her cream Roger Vivier ballerina flats, featuring the designer's iconic silver buckle, that got the attention, as a touch of understated luxury to the occasion.
She styled her signature brunette hair in soft waves, finishing the look with mauve lipstick, as she spent some time with the children and their families during Fourth of July-themed activities. “I love to see you all,” she told the kids warmly.
Inside the hospital’s Garden Room, the first lady joined ten children in making patriotic crafts out of rocks and paper cups. She painted a rock with a red heart and complimented a child playing with stretchy slime, laughing, “Wow, that’s a big slime!”
Throughout the morning, she asked the children about their favorite sports, foods, and music. When she asked who liked chocolate and ice cream, nearly every hand shot up, including her own. “I like it too,” she said, smiling.
The First Lady didn’t arrive empty-handed. She gifted the children blankets, books, and teddy bears wearing “Be Best” t-shirts, reflecting her advocacy for children's well-being. She also handed out American-flag-themed plush toys and offered them a rare invitation.
“You should come to the White House next year,” she told them, referencing the 250th Independence Day celebration in 2026, which is expected to include fireworks and F-14 flyovers.
Melania led a walk through the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden alongside hospital President and CEO Michelle Riley-Brown. There, she planted patriotic pinwheels and small American flags with the children, decorating the garden beds for the upcoming holiday.
She also inspected a yellow rose bush, called “Eternal Flame," a fragrant hybrid tea rose recently donated to the hospital. The rose was planted in the same healing space she originally dedicated in 2017 to the legacy of America’s first ladies.
Former first ladies such as Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton have also maintained strong ties to the hospital, particularly during the holiday season.
Melania herself made several Christmas-time visits during her husband's first term, including one in 2020 when she read to children without wearing a mask, defying hospital COVID policy at the time.ated