At today’s Senate Spouses Luncheon hosted at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. (@NGADC), it was an honor to share the continued progress of the #BeBest initiative. In a room filled with leaders, public servants, and devoted spouses, we came together to reaffirm a shared purpose: the future and well-being of our nation’s children.
#BeBest, launched by First Lady Melania Trump in 2018, is not simply a campaign. It is a mission—a call to action aimed at promoting the social, emotional, and physical health of young people across America. As we gathered at this meaningful event, the message was clear: We must continue to uplift and empower our children. We must ensure they are given the resources, the attention, and the love they need to thrive.
A Commitment That Transcends Politics
The Senate Spouses Luncheon is a longstanding tradition built on unity, compassion, and shared values. In a time when national conversations can often become divided, events like this remind us that certain causes rise above partisanship. Supporting children is not a political issue—it is a human issue. Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves a chance to flourish.
The #BeBest initiative remains rooted in three core pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse prevention. These pillars address real, pressing challenges faced by children and families in every community across the nation.
Focusing on Well-Being
Children today face a complex world, filled with both opportunities and challenges. Mental and emotional well-being must be prioritized. From anxiety and depression to peer pressure and bullying, the pressures facing youth are unlike any before.
#BeBest continues to champion emotional health by supporting programs that teach children self-worth, empathy, and resilience. Whether through school-based wellness efforts, mindfulness programs, or public awareness campaigns, we aim to create environments where every child feels safe, valued, and capable.
During the luncheon, it was inspiring to hear stories from individuals and organizations who are working tirelessly on the front lines—educators, healthcare workers, and nonprofit leaders—who share the same goal of raising a generation that is strong not only in body but also in mind and spirit.
Encouraging Responsibility Online
In our digital age, technology plays a central role in children’s lives. Social media, while powerful in its ability to connect and inform, can also be a source of harm. Cyberbullying, online manipulation, and digital overuse threaten our children’s safety and self-esteem.
#BeBest addresses these concerns by encouraging responsible social media behavior and promoting digital literacy. We urge both youth and parents to have open, honest conversations about online activity. Understanding how to be kind and respectful in the digital space is just as important as learning to do so in person.
Through partnerships with schools, tech companies, and community leaders, we continue to spread awareness and offer tools that help children navigate the digital world with integrity and confidence.
Combating the Opioid Crisis
Few issues have left as devastating a mark on American families as the opioid epidemic. This crisis has taken a tremendous toll on communities—claiming lives, tearing families apart, and leaving children in vulnerable situations.
#BeBest continues to highlight the importance of prevention and recovery. We support programs that educate children and families about the dangers of drug abuse and provide support to those in recovery. During today’s luncheon, we reflected on the strength of communities that have come together to fight addiction and protect their youth from falling into its grip.
As First Lady, Melania Trump frequently visited treatment centers, met with affected families, and used her platform to humanize the issue. Her message has always been clear: Compassion, education, and awareness can save lives.
The Power of Coming Together
Events like today’s Senate Spouses Luncheon provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate progress, exchange ideas, and commit to further action. In the elegant setting of the National Gallery of Art, surrounded by symbols of culture, creativity, and beauty, we also saw reflections of our children—full of potential, full of promise.
We must recognize that change is not made in a day, nor by one person alone. It takes parents, teachers, lawmakers, mentors, and advocates working hand in hand. Each voice, each action, contributes to a larger movement toward a brighter, safer, and more compassionate future.
The stories shared today—from a school counselor working with at-risk teens, to a senator’s spouse championing literacy programs—serve as powerful reminders of what we can achieve together. We do not need to agree on everything to agree that our children deserve the best of us.
Looking Forward
As we look ahead, our mission remains clear. We must continue to listen to our children, to protect their innocence, to nurture their dreams. We must hold ourselves accountable for the world we are
