“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as First Lady but understand that my persistence alone is not enough. Together, we can change people’s lives for the better.” First Lady Melania Trump inspired Congressional Club Members at its 113th First Lady’s Luncheon.
Mrs. Trump used the occasion to promote her enduring theme of unity to create meaningful change. The First Lady’s Luncheon, regarded as a prestigious tradition in Washington D.C., unites spouses of Members of Congress, Administration officials, business leaders, and philanthropists.
During her address, the First Lady underscored several significant achievements, notably orchestrating the reunification of Ukrainian and Russian children with their families on four occasions. “The world doesn’t move for those who stop,” she declared.
She also highlighted her landmark White House AI Workshop, which involved nearly 3,000 schools nationwide, demonstrating her leadership at the convergence of children, technology, and education. Mrs. Trump reiterated her visionary outlook: “We are not here to prepare our children for yesterday’s world. Be purposeful with your objectives and remember that AI accelerates everything.”
The First Lady’s Luncheon symbolizes a collective commitment to civic engagement. It followed her recent visit to Capitol Hill, where she collaborated with leaders from both political sides to promote new foster care legislation. She urged representatives from the House Ways and Means Committee to “come together to prioritize America’s children… stay unified, act in good faith, and keep the next generation above politics.”
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Trump called on the influential audience to support her BE BEST Fostering the Future initiative, aiming for greater collective impact. She concluded, “America’s children will ultimately protect our future freedom.”
The full prepared remarks by First Lady Melania Trump follow below.
The World Doesn’t Move for Those Who Stop
Good afternoon. It is an honor to participate in this cherished American tradition, and a pleasure to have our Second Lady, Usha Vance, with us today. I commend Chairwoman Allen, President Dunn, and their dedicated team for uniting us to advance the greater good of our community.
America’s children are our moral equals. As parents and leaders, ensuring our children develop emotionally and physically in a safe environment is our ethical responsibility.
Last week, I shared this commitment with members of the esteemed Ways and Means Committee on Capitol Hill. We gathered to push forward landmark legislation to protect the foster care community.
This effort follows the Fostering the Future Executive Order signed last November. I am impressed by our Representatives’ bipartisan dedication and am confident this will soon become the “law of the land.” Upon passage, this will be the second piece of legislation I have championed for safeguarding America’s next generation.
The world doesn’t move for those who stop. Over the past year, through discipline and focus, I have initiated several programs to benefit our children.
Domestically, Fostering the Future has extended its reach to approximately 33 percent of U.S. states. University scholarship programs under this initiative are available for individuals aging out of foster care in Georgia, Arizona, California, Nebraska, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act is the first piece of legislation I supported within the initial 100 days of this 47th presidential administration. On April 7th, the U.S. Department of Justice secured its first conviction under this new law.
Additionally, $30 million was allocated to HUD’s 2026 budget to support housing for America’s foster youth, with backing from Representative Steve Womack and Secretary Scott Turner.
Progress is not given—you must be the composer. Strengthen your community influence with a clear vision for the future.
All 50 states are involved in the Presidential AI Challenge, and nearly 3,000 schools took part in the White House AI Workshop. Our educators, students, and academic leaders recognize the importance of mastering new technology.
Over the past two months, America found itself at the intersection of youth, technology, and education on the global stage. I was honored to address the United Nations Security Council about the role of education in fostering peace.
We are not here to prepare our children for yesterday’s world. Be purposeful with your objectives and remember that AI accelerates everything.
Leaders from almost 50 countries joined me at the White House and the State Department for the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit. Never before has an American First Lady welcomed so many leaders to the White House for diplomatic purposes in a single day. I am proud that leading technology companies, including Meta, Palantir, OpenAI, Adobe, Zoom Communications, X, and Microsoft, contributed to our mission: empowering children through technology and education.
Moreover, I completed the fourth reunification of Ukrainian and Russian children with their families. This challenging task was made possible with the cooperation of leaders from both nations, working alongside my representative and me to restore love and safety to those displaced by this devastating war.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as First Lady, but I know that my efforts alone are insufficient. Together, we can change people’s lives for the better.
Join me in advancing the BE BEST Fostering the Future initiative across the nation.
America’s children will ultimately protect our future freedom.
