Melania Trump hit back at her critics and members of the media who “have chosen to ridicule” her for speaking out on the issue of cyberbullying.
“I want to thank all of you for being here today so we can address the important issue of online safety for our children,” the first lady explained Thursday during an event at the Family Online Safety Institute as part of her “Be Best” campaign, according to a White House pool report. (RELATED: Melania Wows In Black Belted Dress In Paris)
US President Donald Trump (L) walks with First Lady Melania Trump and their son Baron, as they disembark from Marine One on the South Lawn upon his return to the White House after a weekend in Bedminster, in Washington, DC on August 19, 2018. (Photo credit: ERIC BARADAT/AFP/Getty Images)
“This year’s conference theme is ‘Creating a Culture of Responsibility Online,’ and that is one part of what my initiative, Be Best, is all about,” she added. “As a mother to a young son, I feel strongly that we must begin teaching children at a very young age about the importance of online safety and responsible habits.”
Trump continued, “As I have said before, it is not news or surprising to me that critics and the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue, and that’s okay. I remain committed to tackling this topic because it will provide a better world for our children.”
“And I hope that, like I do, you will consider using their negative words as motivation to do all you can to bring awareness and understanding about responsible online behavior,” FLOTUS shared before she participated in a panel discussion with student advocates against cyberbullying.
US President Donald Trump (C) and First Lady Melania Trump greet US Marines as they visit the Marine Barracks in Washington DC, on November 15, 2018. – Trump met with Marines who responded to a fire at the Arthur Capper Public Housing complex on September 9, 2018. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
Earlier in the day, the first lady joined President Donald Trump and meet with Marines at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., who responded to a fire at the Arthur Capper Public Housing complex in September of this year. The first family also “thanked” the Marines and “wished them a Happy Thanksgiving.”
President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS thanked Marines at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington D.C and wished them a Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you to all of the @USMC for what you do! pic.twitter.com/qNLobIUKIQ
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 15, 2018