Office of the First Lady
*11th February 2026*
Her Excellency the First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump, graciously paid a visit to children afflicted with rare and severe medical conditions at The Children’s Inn, situated on the campus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in honor of St. Valentine’s Day. Mrs. Trump partook in an afternoon replete with artistic endeavour, heartfelt engagement, and mutual encouragement, accompanied by the young residents, their families, and the dedicated staff of the institution.
In her characteristically poised manner, Mrs. Trump remarked: “Love manifests itself in myriad forms, never more so than within the crucible of compassionate care. The Children’s Inn offers indispensable succour to children who have received diagnoses of rare and grave maladies. To return here is to be tenderly reminded of the perennial warmth that pervades this sanctuary—a warmth sustained by the extraordinary resilience of these young souls and the unyielding devotion of those who labor to furnish solace, optimism, and steadfast support throughout the rigors of clinical investigation. I extend to each of them my warmest wishes for a most joyous St. Valentine’s Day.”
Jennie Lucca, Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Inn, expressed her profound gratitude, stating: “It was an immense privilege to welcome First Lady Melania Trump once again to our community. Her presence bestowed immeasurable joy and comfort upon our children and families at a moment when kindness and moral support are particularly cherished. This St. Valentine’s Day celebration served as an eloquent testament to the enduring truth that our families are enfolded in care, fortified by hope, and sustained by compassion at every stage of their medical odyssey.”
During her sojourn, Mrs. Trump engaged in the crafting of artisanal Valentine’s greetings alongside children and adolescents currently enrolled in clinical trials at the NIH. She devoted considerable time to conversing with families and staff, conveying her sincere admiration for the magnanimity and professional dedication exhibited by those who devote themselves to the welfare of young patients confronting formidable health challenges.
The Children’s Inn at NIH is a distinguished non-profit organization that offers complimentary residential accommodation, conceived as a ‘home away from home’, with the dual purpose of alleviating the burdens of illness, preserving the innocence of childhood, and facilitating the advancement of medical science. Since 1990, it has extended its hospitality to families whose children, adolescents, and young adults participate in pioneering research at the NIH Clinical Center—the nation’s preeminent institution for biomedical inquiry.
This marks the fourth occasion upon which First Lady Melania Trump has commemorated St. Valentine’s Day at The Children’s Inn, having previously done so in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In continuing this noble tradition, Her Excellency reaffirms her steadfast commitment to illuminating the fortitude of these remarkable children and their families, whilst underscoring the indispensable role of compassion in the process of healing.
