Donald Trump and His Wife Melania Introduce New Executive Order

Donald Trump's lingering gaze as Melania walked away during a White House event lit up the internet, drawing more attention than the new executive order they had just announced together.

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump presented the "Fostering the Future for American Children and Families" executive order at the White House.

Taking her place at the lectern, Melania addressed a room filled with administration officials, corporate leaders, and scholarship recipients. After her remarks, she invited President Donald Trump to sign the order, which aims to expand educational and career opportunities for young people with foster care backgrounds.

The executive order initiates the Fostering the Future program. The initiative unites federal agencies, nonprofits, universities, and corporations to offer scholarships, job placements, and expanded access to federal support for former foster youth.

Government Agencies Back Executive Order

The order also includes an online planning hub, increased eligibility for education grants, and the promotion of scholarship programs funded by tax-credited donations.

Several federal departments announced specific roles in the plan's rollout. The Department of Health and Human Services pledged to work toward keeping families together, reducing avoidable foster care placements, and launching a pilot program that donates decommissioned laptops to foster youth.

The Departments of Treasury and Housing and Urban Development pledged to hold national roundtables to identify barriers to financial literacy for foster youth. The Office of Personnel Management announced a federal internship pipeline, with early-career job paths, a dedicated portal, and professional development resources.

Melania Calls for National Movement

Melania told the audience, "Too many people from the foster care community end up homeless, in danger on America's streets." She said the order was meant to offer real routes to financial independence and called it both "empathetic and strategic," urging for a movement that would be "profound and lasting."

She thanked universities that partnered with her mission, saying, "I applaud the American Universities that have joined my mission — institutions like Vanderbilt University, University of Miami, and Villanova University." She emphasized that the scholarships these schools provide offer recipients tools that last a lifetime.

She ended her speech by thanking officials and donors and calling for action. "I call on leadership from these various organizations, including the private sector, to join my effort," she said. "Rise above the ease of inaction."

The President Responds as the Crowd Watches the Couple

President Trump stood beside her during the speech. When she finished, he gave her a back pat and watched her leave the stage. His eyes stayed on her before he turned back to the podium.

"I think that's very good. Especially for someone that [sic] speaks five languages at least. I think that's pretty amazing. I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it," he emphasized.

"Well, thank you, Melania," he lauded. "And our country is truly blessed to have this magnificent and very caring first lady. They love her. Every time I get up and make a speech, they say we want our first lady. I say, ‘What the hell? I'm not good enough?’ But thank you very much, great job. And it's great the work you do in so many ways."

Social Media Floods with Reactions

Online, viewers quickly reacted to the couple’s onstage interaction, sharing their thoughts across multiple platforms. One viewer wrote, "He looks so thouched [sic] and proud ...how refreshing to see a powerful man happy support his wife as she has supported him."

Another posted, "The genuine love seen at these two looking at each other [...] is real. So proud to see not only an amazing President and First Lady, but also two people that actually still love each other and aren't faking it for the public. May God bless America and continue to protect these two, their families, and this administration!"

One added, "They [sic] way they look at each other and then when she walked away! wowsers! That is a man that [sic] loves his wife and is very proud. We all are! Love Melania!!!!"

On X, more reactions poured in. One person wrote, "The way @POTUS looks at @FLOTUS ❤️." Another commented, "I liked that he watched her walk away!" and another echoed, "He's got his eyes on her."

One added, "I love the pat on the back. And the way he tilts his head when he looks at her." Another wrote, "That shoulder pat says it all 💜."

Expert Analyzes the Couple's Body Language

Body language expert Judi James said Melania appeared composed, in contrast to her demeanor during her husband's first presidential term.

She pointed out that while the couple arrived holding hands, "it's a power-dressed Melania who steps straight up to the lectern while Donald moves quietly to stand behind and to one side of her, peering round at his wife with a gaze of respect."

"His body language on similar occasions has veered towards the 'proud spouse' poses," she continued. "But this time he adopts the look of a member of staff with his shoulders slightly hunched as he humbly aims his smile and his eyes at the floor."

Judi added that Melania showed "some shallow breathing," possibly indicating nerves, but said she delivered her speech with confidence. During her remarks, President Trump was seen blinking often and briefly letting his head drop for about 12 seconds before lifting it again.

Program Builds on Be Best Platform

Melania launched Fostering the Future in 2021 as part of her Be Best campaign. The program awards scholarships to foster youth and helps them build long-term financial stability.

Although the event centered on foster care reform, the couple's dynamic took center stage. Their White House appearance followed Melania's recent onstage recognition in New York, a moment that sparked both celebration and criticism nationwide.

Melania's Efforts Were Recently Recognized

On the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2025, the First Lady was recognized at a formal ceremony in Brookville — the same event where President Trump had been honored one year prior.

But as news of her award spread, it quickly reignited the country's deep political divide.

Online Cheers for Her Grace, Beauty and 'Quiet Strength'

Supporters were quick to express admiration, with YouTube and social platforms lighting up in celebration of Melania's style and poise. One commenter gushed, "Most intelligent, smart, gorgeously beautiful and loving First Lady ever! May God bless you even móre Melania!"

Another declared, "God bless the greatest first lady in history." A third fan added, "Melania embodies beauty and style, but beyond that, she radiates grace, calmness, and authenticity. Her quiet strength and dignity is admirable. Love the First Lady💝."

Others praised her presence on stage, responding to a video montage that featured clips from various moments tied to her humanitarian work.

One viewer was especially captivated by the segment showing Melania's entrance as she approached the podium to speak about the Ukrainian children who had been reunited with their families, writing, "What a GORGEOUS woman Melania Trump is ❤..The way she walked through those doors @6:30 was 🔥🔥🔥🔥."

But Critics Slam the Decision and Question Her Accomplishments

Still, not all voices were celebratory. On Reddit, the tone shifted — with critics questioning whether the honor was deserved. "She's literally never done anything of substance in her life," one user wrote. Another chimed in, "So it's a meaningless award, then. A participation trophy."

Some pushed back, defending Melania's selection. "Do you know really anyone who deserved this award more than her? I mean really, really seriously??" one Redditor demanded.

Over on Facebook, skepticism continued. "Who? What's she done?" one person asked, while another added, "They can give each other awards every night after that ballroom's done, won't even have to leave the house."

Fox Nation's Highest Honor Goes to Melania

The honor bestowed upon Melania? Fox Nation's "Patriot of the Year" — the highest award presented during its annual Patriot Awards, now in its seventh year. The event celebrates Americans who have made a significant impact through service, courage, or advocacy.

Last year, President Trump received an honorary version of the same award following his 2024 election victory. This time, Melania was chosen for her ongoing work to support children worldwide.

Among her most discussed efforts: Melania's involvement in quiet diplomatic outreach surrounding the war in Ukraine. In October, she revealed that private talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin helped reunite eight Ukrainian children with their families.

The reunifications were part of a broader effort, supported by a "peace letter" Melania hand-delivered to Putin during an August summit in Alaska. That same month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brought a personal message from Ukraine's First Lady, thanking Melania for drawing attention to the cause.

Tackling Online Exploitation and Supporting Foster Youth

In the U.S., Melania has supported the "TAKE IT DOWN Act," legislation aimed at preventing the non-consensual distribution of explicit content involving minors — including deepfake pornography and other forms of online abuse.

In May, she also helped secure a $25 million allocation in President Trump’s 2026 federal budget, dedicated to housing and transitional resources for young adults aging out of foster care. "This is another essential measure that ensures the safety, welfare, and autonomy of those in the foster community," she previously said in a White House statement.

A Public Image in Evolution

Melania's evolving public role stands in contrast to her earlier years as First Lady. In a previous interview, she explained her choice to stay out of campaign politics. "I'm very political in private life… but I chose not to be on the campaign," she told Harper's Bazaar. "I have my own mind. I am my own person, and I think my husband likes that about me."

Born Melania Knauss in Novo Mesto, in the former Yugoslavia, she studied architecture and design at the University of Ljubljana before launching a successful modeling career across Europe. She met Donald in 1998, married him in 2005, and gave birth to their son, Barron, in 2006.

She later stepped away from her QVC jewelry line and skincare brand to focus on raising their son. "I don't have a nanny," she once revealed. "I have a chef, and I have my assistant, and that's it." Melania raised Barron to speak Slovenian and is fluent in French and Italian.