The initiative brings me tremendous pride. It is empathetic, strategic, and aims to build a broad network linking federal agencies, private businesses, universities, and charities.
Trump’s remarks
At the podium, Trump praised Melania’s abilities, especially her fluency in at least five languages. “I think that’s pretty amazing… I couldn’t do it,” he said. He also joked that her speeches are often better received than his: “Every time I make a speech, they say we want our First Lady. I say, what the hell, I’m not good enough?”
After speaking, Trump signed the executive order and invited Melania to sign as well—an unusual gesture for a first lady. He said he was “delighted” to sign the initiative and noted Second Lady Usha Vance’s support. The $25 million allocation Melania championed will help fund housing and other support for foster youth transitioning out of the system.
The harsh reality
About 400,000 children are in U.S. foster care at any time, with around 20,000 aging out each year. Only half graduate high school, just 3% earn a college degree, one in five faces homelessness after leaving care, and only about half have stable jobs by age 24.