Camilla Jessen
Melania Trump criticized after holiday reading to children.
Melania Trump continued the long-standing First Lady tradition of visiting young patients at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.
The event was held on Dec. 5 and included a holiday storytime meant to lift spirits, but soon after, clips from the reading drew widespread mockery online.
Holiday visit turns contentious
The custom of a First Lady visiting the hospital dates back to Bess Truman in the 1940s, and Children’s National described this year’s visit as one filled with “festive spirit.”
In a message on its website, the hospital noted that Melania Trump was escorted by two patients with “bubbly personalities and positive energy.”
Hospital CEO Michelle Riley-Brown said the visit remains “one of the most cherished traditions,” adding that Trump’s appearance brought “moments of joy, comfort and hope” to families spending the holidays away from home.
During the program, Melania Trump read How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett while seated beside a decorated Christmas tree.
About two dozen children gathered to listen.
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Online reaction fuels criticism
Soon after the event, clips circulated on social media showing Trump reading lines such as, “Does he wears night vision that make everyone green,” which critics claimed reflected difficulty with pronunciation.
Because English is not her first language, some users focused on her accent, linking their criticism to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
“She can’t even read properly, or speak English clearly… The kids deserve better,” one X user wrote, according to The Mirror. Others mocked her delivery or pointed to what they saw as a lack of engagement with the children.
Another commenter wrote, “The irony is f—— insane,” referring to the administration’s tough stance on immigration.
Melania Trump handed out toys and told the children she wished them “a lot of strength and love.”
She added that President Donald Trump was also sending “love and best wishes.”
“I’m sure Santa will visit all of you this Christmas and bring you a lot of toys,” she said before wishing the group a merry Christmas and happy new year.
Sources: Children’s National Hospital; The Mirror.
