The president and first lady first crossed paths in 1998, and since then they’ve become one of the most recognizable couples in the world.
But some critics argue that Donald Trump doesn’t measure up to his wife — and now he’s responding directly.
Stepping into the spotlight
There’s no question Donald Trump enjoys attention, and he has now delivered a pointed message to anyone who seems to prefer hearing from Melania instead of him.
The moment unfolded at a White House event on November 13, where he was present to sign an executive order focused on foster care. The event opened with Melania speaking about her efforts to support young people aging out of the foster system.
The new initiative, called the Fostering the Future executive order, will create an online resource center designed to give foster youth access to education and career tools. It also includes grants and vouchers to help them as they move into adulthood.
Melania emphasized why the order matters:
“This executive order, Fostering the Future for American children and families, fills me with great pride. It is compassionate and well-planned. It will make a difference. Its goal is to build a coordinated network connecting federal agencies, private businesses, colleges, and charitable organizations.”
Trump’s seven-word comeback
When Trump took his place at the podium, he complimented his wife’s strengths, especially her ability to speak multiple languages.
“I think that’s pretty incredible. I can’t — I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it,” he said, impressed by her fluency in at least five languages.
He then acknowledged that Melania often receives a warmer reception than he does, making a joke about how audiences react to their speeches:
“Our country is very lucky to have such a wonderful and deeply compassionate first lady. Everybody loves her,” he said. “Every time I stand up and give a speech, they say we want our First Lady. I say what the hell, I’m not good enough?”
Following his comments, Trump proceeded to sign the executive order and then asked Melania to add her signature as well — a rare gesture for a first lady.
Trump also expressed how “pleased” he was to approve the initiative and noted that Second Lady Usha Vance had been actively involved in supporting Melania’s work.
“We’re going to see truly incredible outcomes,” the president said.
The $25 million in funding that Melania advocated for will help cover housing costs and offer other essential resources for young people transitioning out of foster care.
A difficult truth
According to the U.S. Department of Education, roughly 400,000 children and teenagers are in foster care at any time, and close to 20,000 age out of the system every year.
Only about half of all foster youth finish high school, just three percent earn a college degree, and one in five will face homelessness after they leave care. On top of that, only about half will have steady employment by the time they reach 24.