Over the nine months that Donald Trump has been in office, First Lady Melania Trump has remained mostly out of the spotlight. On Monday, the White House announced that Melania will officially kick off her anti-bullying campaign, which was quickly met with mockery from critics.
Melania on bullying
It all started just over two and a half years ago when Donald Trump kicked off his campaign for president on the floor of Trump Tower in New York City. With his family by his side, the former host of "The Apprentice" went on to label illegal immigrants from Mexico as "rapists" and "murderers," which quickly set the groundwork for how he would act moving forward.
Whether it was his battles with the media, Hollywood celebrities, Democrats, or fellow Republicans, Trump made a habit out of mocking and insulting his critics, either on social media, in private, or in front of the camera. Due to this, it came as a surprise when Melania Trump decided to combat bullying with a focus on cyberbullying as her number goal as first lady. Critics were quick to point out the hypocritical irony considering the actions of the president, but Melania has decided to take action regardless of the response. According to The Hill on October 23, Melania will officially kick off her "anti-bullying" campaign this week.
Melania Trump launches anti-bullying campaign: https://t.co/KY3Gws7N66 pic.twitter.com/nr1eWLtcts
— The Hill (@thehill) October 23, 2017
In a report by The Hill, Melania Trump will make her way to a middle school in Detroit, Michigan on Monday to start what the White House has labeled the "Week of Inclusion" as well as "National Bullying Prevention Month." The first lady will be promoting the social media hashtag "NoOneEatsAlone," in an attempt to bring students together and curb bullying in local schools.
"We must teach children to be good stewards of the world they will inherit," Melania said.
Twitter reacts
Once the news broke of the anti-bullying campaign starting this week, those who oppose Donald Trump and the administration wasted no time firing back. "Is trump-anti-bullying an oxymoron?" one tweet wondered about Melania Trump's efforts.
The fact that Melania Trump is running an anti-bullying campaign without a speck of irony boggles my mind
— Mia (@MiaGettenberg) October 23, 2017
@MELANIATRUMP .. anti-bullying is important, maybe you should start with your husband.
— belinda (@pnbsmith1161) October 23, 2017
I hope the kids ask @MELANIATRUMP about all the bullying @realDonaldTrump does and why she is SILENT about it.
— BubbaWubba (@bubba_wubba) October 23, 2017
"Have 2 wonder if she chose this cause bcuz she's bullied by him," a Twitter user added.
"The fact that Melania Trump is running an anti-bullying campaign without a speck of irony boggles my mind," another tweet noted.
Your anti bullying campaign is as much a joke as your husband, @MELANIATRUMP @FLOTUS. You continue to condone and encourage bullying. Leave.
— Michael Boykin (@mlboykin) October 23, 2017
Melania Trump’s Anti Bullying Campaign would be like Pablo Escobar’s wife pushing a Anti Drug Campaign & having Pablo drive her to events
— romeo (@arthuromeo) October 23, 2017
Melania TRump giving a speech to kids on bullying? Are you kidding??!! She needs to give that speech to her husband!
— John N Ralph (@thecoach91) October 23, 2017
"Anti-bullying is important, maybe you should start with your husband," an additional tweet stated.
"Your anti bullying campaign is as much a joke as your husband, @MELANIATRUMP @FLOTUS. You continue to condone and encourage bullying. Leave," yet another tweet read. As the negative reaction continued, it only highlighted the wide political divide in the United States that shows no signs of slowing down.
