At the 2026 United States Senate Spouses Luncheon in Washington, DC, First Lady Melania Trump addressed the audience, highlighting four key pillars focused on community support in foster care. She urged attendees to join efforts in enhancing protections for foster youth across the nation.
With the recent unanimous approval of the Fostering the Future Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, Mrs. Trump called on Senate spouses to motivate swift action in the U.S. Senate, underlining the initiative as a “moral obligation” to aid youth through avenues of education, love, opportunity, and resilience.
The complete remarks, as prepared for the luncheon, are presented below.
If I could spare one heart from breaking, would you rise with me?
Thank you, Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Wyden. Your leadership and the dedication of your team have been instrumental in making this event a success.
The House’s unanimous passage of the Fostering the Future Act presents a timely opportunity. Now, your spouses, America’s Senators, can transform this momentum into lasting legislation for the foster care community. Encourage them!
If I could spare one heart from breaking, would you rise with me?
In your community, a child may be silently seeking aid. These heart-wrenching stories of children lacking safety and stability while their parents face addiction are all too familiar. Such children are at risk of harm and abuse.
Every child in America deserves to grow up in an environment filled with love, respect, and safety.
By actively seeking out and supporting such individuals, you have the power to effect significant change.
The initiative, Fostering the Future, is founded on four pillars to support American youth.
First, education is essential. We must build an unshakeable foundation for foster care children, based on knowledge and wisdom.
Education provides a lifetime advantage, and foster children should have the opportunity to establish themselves educationally.
We are in an era with unparalleled access to information, which fosters innovation, job creation, and a more compassionate world.
Second, children in foster care need love. A family environment conveys warmth and assures them they are not alone. This love motivates them to pursue their life’s purpose. A house’s structure alone is insufficient.
Third, career ambition should be inspired. Securing entry-level jobs allows these individuals to gain financial independence, avoid homelessness, and potentially become prominent business figures, enriching the community.
Fourth, resilience. Individuals from the foster care community often display remarkable strength and perseverance. Their determination to succeed is evident.
Engagement from each state in supporting the foster care community can accelerate efforts to protect and empower these individuals. I regard this as your moral duty.
Last month, I presented my foster care legislative efforts at the House Ways and Means Committee on Capitol Hill. Two inspiring youths from the foster care community shared their stories with us.
Their compelling narratives inspired a bipartisan commitment to passing new legislation for foster care protection. This bill is approaching the Senate. Their names are Jayden Martinez and Jocelyn Fetting.
Highlighting Jayden and Jocelyn underscores how the American Dream remains attainable for everyone. This should be America’s focus, and together, we will strengthen our nation for our future generations. Thank you for being here today. Your leadership in integrating Fostering the Future into your state can profoundly impact a young person’s life in your community. Together, we will make a difference.
