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Hospital president and CEO Michelle Riley-Brown expressed gratitude for the visit, saying that moments like these remind everyone of the courage found in the hospital’s youngest patients.
She emphasized that the holiday gatherings bring encouragement not only to children but also to the families navigating long hospital stays during a season when most people wish to be at home.
During her time at the hospital, Melania Trump settled into a red armchair beside a decorated Christmas tree to read “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” by Mac Barnett. Two dozen children gathered around to listen, and the setting offered a classic holiday scene—story time, soft lights, and eager faces waiting to hear about Santa’s Christmas Eve journey.
It was this reading moment that later drew attention on social media. Viewers online pointed out that English is Melania Trump’s second language, and some claimed she appeared to stumble over certain phrases while reading aloud.
A few critics suggested her tone lacked emotion, while others used the moment to make broader political remarks.
Comments circulated widely, with some users questioning her delivery and pronunciation, while others saw irony given the immigration debates that shaped public conversation during her husband’s presidency.
As often happens in today’s online environment, a warm moment inside a hospital soon became the subject of sharp commentary outside of it.
Despite the online chatter, those inside the hospital described the visit in very different terms. Children listened attentively as Melania read, and the event included not only the story but also personal interactions afterward.
The First Lady wished each child a merry Christmas and a happy new year, expressing hopes for strength, happiness, and plenty of holiday surprises. She also brought toys for the children to enjoy, a gesture that added another layer of joy to the afternoon.
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