Melania Trump Celebrates Early Valentine's Day with Children at NIH

Former First Lady joins young patients in holiday-themed crafts and discusses her own sweet tooth

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Melania Trump visited The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health on Wednesday to celebrate an early Valentine's Day with children and young adults being treated for rare and serious diseases. She joined them in making holiday-themed crafts and chatted about their lives, health, and other interests. When they moved to a dessert bar with mini cupcakes and chocolates, Trump made a somewhat sour confession, saying "I don't eat much sweets. Sugar is not that healthy for us."

Why it matters

Melania Trump's visit to The Children's Inn, a nonprofit that provides support to young patients receiving treatment through clinical trials, highlights the former First Lady's continued engagement with children's health issues. Her comments about avoiding sweets also reflect a broader public health message about reducing sugar intake.

The details

During her first visit of the second Trump administration to The Children's Inn, Melania Trump helped the young patients make flower bouquets and lanterns out of construction paper and other materials. When they moved to the dessert bar, one of the young men asked how to address her, wondering if "your highness" was an option. Trump simply replied, "Melania," with a smile.

  • Melania Trump visited The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Melania Trump

The former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy work on children's issues.

The Children's Inn

A nonprofit organization that provides support to children and young adults receiving treatment through clinical trials for rare and serious diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

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What they’re saying

“I don't eat much sweets. Sugar is not that healthy for us.”

— Melania Trump

The takeaway

Melania Trump's visit to The Children's Inn highlights her continued commitment to children's health and well-being, even after leaving the White House. Her comments about avoiding sweets also reinforce the importance of reducing sugar intake, especially for vulnerable populations like the young patients she met with.