WASHINGTON–First Lady Melania Trump joined 20 young patients and their families at the National Children’s Hospital on Dec. 5 to kick off the holiday season with a Christmas party.
“I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” Trump told the crowd. “I wish you a lot of strength and love. My husband, the president, is sending love and best wishes as well.”
The first lady was escorted by two young patients, 5-year-old Faith Hinkle and 11-year-old Riley Whitney.
She read the children a book titled “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” written by Mac Barnett.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were in attendance, sporting luxurious red robes, while acting out scenes from the book.
Santa engaged with the children and handed Trump a gold coin with the words “Believe. Merry Christmas.”
When asked what they wanted from Santa, animals were a favorite request from the youngsters. One girl asked for a horse and a pony, some wanted a puppy, while another asked for bunny rabbits.
One young man who wore a suit for the occasion asked for a Star Wars Lego set.
Three brightly lit Christmas trees adorned the room, including an approximately 15-foot-tall centerpiece decorated in red and white, flanked by a blue-and-yellow pastel-themed tree and another covered in red and green baubles and bows.
Hundreds of gifts wrapped in festive colors were piled around the room, placed on tables lined by lush poinsettia plants.
Guests were invited to take a potted plant home to decorate for the season.
A magician entertained the crowd with a series of holiday-themed tricks, much to the delight of the children.
And a boisterous dance party to classic Christmas tunes had kids of all ages on their feet.
Trump was introduced by 24-year-old Caoilinn McLane, a former patient who met the first lady in 2017 during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Tears of joy were seen as family members in the audience watched their children interact with the first lady.
Sporting a Nour Hammour eggplant suede trench coat and wearing dark red snake pumps, Trump stopped to greet the children, bowing down to their level for cheerful chats and hugs.
She recognized two of the youngsters from past visits to the children’s hospital and remarked how nice it was to see them again and how great they looked.
After the event concluded, she walked through the hospital’s hematology and oncology wing, visiting patient rooms.
Hospital administrators expressed gratitude for the first lady’s appearance and the hope it brings for patients and their friends and families.
“We are so honored to continue with this long-standing tradition at Children’s National, and we’re so honored to have you here today,” Michelle Riley Brown, CEO of Children’s National Hospital, said during the event.
“Thank you for spending time with us today and sharing joy and cheer, and we are so appreciative of your partnership and your commitment to children’s health.”
