Melania Trump visits Children's National Hospital
The visit comes as her citizenship is under scrutiny after Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Penn.) questioned if former model turned First Lady truly qualified for the 'Einstein visa' that garnered her entry into the United States.
An online petition is circulating calling for her deportation as her husband's administration cracks down on migrants who entered the United States illegally. On Thursday, the first lady's focus was on the Fourth of July holiday. She joined the children in the hospital's Healing Garden to paint rocks, cups and other items with patriotic decorations. Sitting with nine former and current patients of the children's hospital, Trump joined-in for an art project.
'Welcome First Lady Melania Trump,' read a sign made by the young artists. The first lady told the kids: 'You look beautiful.' She brought goodie bags with blankets and teddy bears with 'Best Best' t-shirts. The kids went outside after their crafts session with Trump to use their art to decorate the garden at the hospital.
She also unveiled a new flower - the 'External Flame' hybrid tea rose, which is a highly fragrant yellow rose. Following her visit to the healing garden, Trump is making private visits with heart and kidney transplant patients. The first lady has made children's wellbeing a priority through her Be Best program.
Trump visited the hospital every year around Christmas during her first tenure as first lady. It is a longtime tradition for the spouse of a president to visit the children's care center around the holidays.
After the hospital visit, she will join President Trump in the Oval Office to meet with freed Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and his family. Alexander was held hostage by Hamas for 584 days in Gaza and was released in May as a 'good will gesture,' by the terrorist group. On Friday, the first lady and the president will host a military picnic on the South Lawn and view the fireworks that evening.
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