Melania Trumpfaced the familiar sounds of protest in an unfamiliar place on Tuesday as she appeared without husbandDonald Trumpat a kids' opioid awareness event in Baltimore.
The first lady, 49, was met with both cheering and a “resounding chorus of loud boos” from middle and high schoolers as soon as she walked on stage at theB’More Youth Summit on Opioid Awarenesson Tuesday morning, accordingto videoand the White House pool traveling with her.
“We live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Mrs. Trumplater said, according to Annie Karni, a White House correspondent forThe New York Times. “I remain committed to educating children on the dangers and deadly consequences of drug abuse.”
There were approximately 1,250 students and others in attendance, according to reporters in the room.
The audience continued to chatter over her speech, which she seemingly ignored and continued on, encouraging kids to reach out for help if they believed they were struggling with addiction.
“We are here today to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic in our country and to educate young lives on how to live a drug-free life,” she said. “Addiction and drug abuse are universal issues — they do not discriminate based on income, age, race or where you live.”
First Lady Melania Trump.
“Since its launch, I have used ‘Be Best' to shine a light on programs like these that show what it means to ‘Be Best,' " Mrs. Trump said. “Whether it is showing a simple act of kindness, providing care where there is need or teaching something valuable, this initiative promotes the positive actions happening in our communities and around the globe.”
The first lady has regularly traveled the country promoting “Be Best” but doesn’t usually face the same angry reaction as her husband, especially when she attends events solo to discuss opioid addiction.
President Trump previously called Baltimore “a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” while attacking the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, who represented parts of the Baltimore area. Cummings was a prominent Trump critic until his death last month.
Mrs. Trumpwas protested in Boston earlier this monthto visit a hospital treating babies recovering from drug exposure in the womb. At least one detractor there wore a jacket calling out her notorious"I Really Don’t Care, Do U?“jacket.
source: people.com
