First Lady Melania Trump spent Thursday at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., engaging with young patients as they created festive Fourth of July crafts.
Her visit continued a longstanding tradition of first ladies supporting the pediatric facility, a legacy dating back to Bess Truman’s holiday visits, according to the Associated Press.
A highlight of the day included a stop at the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden, a serene rooftop space Trump originally dedicated during her husband’s first term.
The garden, named after philanthropist and White House Garden designer Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, honors the contributions of America’s first ladies to the hospital and its patients.
In preparation for Independence Day, the garden was adorned with patriotic decorations.
Joined by White House groundskeeper Dale Haney, the first lady inspected a newly planted yellow rose bush — donated by the White House and added to the garden earlier in the week.
The visit also included a private meeting with a young transplant patient, underscoring Trump’s personal commitment to the children’s well-being.
Later in the day, Melania Trump was scheduled to join President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for a meeting with Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held in Gaza.
Alexander, a New Jersey native and Israeli soldier, was released in May after 584 days in captivity. His reunion with the Trumps marked a poignant moment in the administration’s efforts to bring American hostages home.
