First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina this week, where they met with students, educators, military families, and service members.
The visit began at Lejeune High School. There, the First Lady and Second Lady joined a classroom to observe presentations by high school students focused on social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology. The event was tied to Mrs. Trump's emphasis on AI education through programs such as the Presidential AI Challenge and Fostering the Future Together, which is part of her BE BEST initiative. Both Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Vance delivered brief remarks and participated in a photo session with students and United Service Organizations (USO) volunteers who were assembling care packages for deployed service members with families stationed on base.
Following their stop at Lejeune High School, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Vance visited DeLalio Elementary School to observe kindergarten and first grade reading and writing lessons. They also took part in arts-and-crafts activities with third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students.
The day concluded at MCAS New River with a gathering of Marines and service members from Camp Lejeune. During her comments, Mrs. Vance expressed gratitude to those present: "She touched on the Vice President’s service and Marine Corps’ strong traditions he proudly upholds." She also highlighted the strength of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools as well as military families: "She highlighted the strength of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and military families, praising their commitment to community and children’s education." Introducing the First Lady, she said: "She introduced the First Lady, commending her dedication to supporting children and families through Fostering the Future, a BE BEST initiative."
Mrs. Trump acknowledged the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday while addressing how artificial intelligence is impacting modern warfare: "Mrs. Trump honored the Marine Corps’ recent 250th birthday, touched on the impact that artificial intelligence is having on modern warfare, and recognized outstanding Marines for their leadership and service." As many military families prepare for holidays without loved ones at home due to deployment or duty requirements, both leaders conveyed appreciation: "As the holiday season approaches—a time when many military families will celebrate with an empty seat at the table—the First Lady and Second Lady expressed their deep gratitude for the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of those who serve and the loved ones who care, love, support, and serve alongside them." They thanked all personnel for their hospitality: "Both ladies shared their heartfelt appreciation to military personnel, educators, students, and families at MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune for their warm welcome and for their steadfast service to the United States."
