Melania Trump celebrated an early Valentine’s Day on Wednesday with children and young adults receiving treatment for rare and serious diseases, spending time making crafts and talking with them about their lives and interests.
The first lady joined the children in creating flower bouquets and lanterns using coloured paper and other craft materials. After the activity, they visited a Valentine’s-themed dessert table filled with mini cupcakes, chocolates and candies.
Ahead of the chocolate-filled holiday, Melania made a light-hearted but health-conscious remark. “I don’t eat much sweets,” she said. “Sugar is not that healthy for us.”
The visit marked her first trip to The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during the second Trump administration and her fourth visit overall. She had visited the facility three times during President Donald Trump’s first term.
During the event, one young man asked how he should address her and jokingly suggested “your highness.”
“Melania,” she replied with a smile.
The Children’s Inn is a nonprofit organisation that supports children and young adults undergoing clinical trials at the NIH for rare and serious illnesses.
Under President Trump, the NIH has faced significant funding cuts, with billions of dollars withdrawn from research projects. These reductions affected clinical trials for cancer, brain disorders and other conditions, impacting more than 74,000 participants, according to a recent report.
However, Congress recently approved a $47 billion budget for the NIH this year, rejecting a proposed cut of nearly 40% and providing the agency with a modest funding increase.
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