Topics: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, US News
Despite not being an elected official and not holding any power, Melania yesterday signed an executive order - and it's not the first time she's done so either.
Trump's infamous signature has been scrawled across a huge number of executive orders since he returned to the White House.
Many have been quite unpopular, the 'big beautiful bill' being a prime example. One thing is for sure though, it's usually the president signing them off... until now.
That is because the first lady signed an executive order expanding resources for the foster care system, alongside her husband, who also inked the page.
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'Fostering the Future for American Children and Family' was 'successfully organized' by the first lady, which instructs Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to revamp the care system with a new annual scorecard that measures how foster provisions by the state are performing.
The aim is for those in foster care to have better access to educational resources, which should help them in the job market in the years to come.
In a press release from the Office of the First Lady, Melania said: "It’s truly inspiring to see everyone gathered here together, united in support of this remarkable initiative and community. As I stand here and observe the audience, I recognize the vital importance of each one of you—to this mission—to our future generations.
"In particular, I would like to thank the cabinet secretaries, congress members, scholarship donors, and various organizations for their unending advocacy.
"A special thank you to my husband for his enduring commitment to Fostering the Future. The President has prioritized America’s foster care children, and shortly, he will sign our Fostering the Future Executive Order."
Melania's reason for signing the executive order alongside her husband was strictly for show, given she had been working on the 'Fostering the Future' program since 2021.
Back in May, Melania became the only first lady in history to ever sign a bill into law, adding her signature to the Take it Down Act alongside her husband's. This was a symbolic gesture, given Melania's work campaigning to pass the revenge porn legislation.
Reaction to the new foster care legislation and Melania's role in it has been mixed, with some accusing it of being a distraction from the ongoing controversy about Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
One person wrote: "Signing a worthless Executive Order regarding those raised in Foster Care the day after Epstein emails were released."
Another criticised what they saw as Melania's lack of visibility and rare public appearances, writing: "How kind of her to pretend to be a First Lady for the day."
A third, referencing the ongoing renovation works at the White House and the tearing down of the East Wing, commented: "Is she set up in the Oval since hubby demolished her offices in the East Wing??"
The vast majority of people, however, praised the initiative, calling it 'truly inspiring'.
The initiative, which supports children in foster care, forms part of the First Lady's 'Be Best' work, which brings awareness to child welfare and anti-bullying.
Melania added: "My hope, of course, is that this level of coordinated collaboration will sustain. But today, I call on leadership from these various organizations, including the private sector, to join my effort. Rise above the ease of inaction.
"I predict this small spark today will ignite a profound and lasting nationwide movement. Our united resolve will foster a thriving future filled with compassion and innovation.
"Together, we will illuminate the pathway for today’s foster children to become tomorrow’s builders."
