Trump touts Melania’s Be Best initiative in State of the Union

President Trump touted first lady Melania Trump’s Be Best wellness and anti-bullying initiative during his State of the Union address Tuesday night.

“Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and to grow. For this reason, our magnificent first lady has launched the Be Best initiative to advance a safe, healthy, supportive and drug-free life for the next generation online, in school and in our communities,” Trump said during his speech.

“Thank you, Melania, for your extraordinary love and profound care for America’s children. Thank you very much.” 

The Be Best initiative was launched in 2018 to tackle a litany of issues relevant to American children, including well-being, social media use and opioid abuse.

“Let us teach our children the difference between right and wrong, and encourage them to Be Best in their individual paths in life,” the first lady said at the initiative’s launch. “We can and should teach children the importance of social and self-awareness, positive relationship skills and responsible decisionmaking.” 

The president has often referred to Melania Trump his speeches, but Tuesday’s address was the first time he made mention of Be Best during a State of the Union.