First Lady Melania Trump works simultaneously on multiple issues, according to her communications director Stephanie Grisham, who lists “opioid abuse and addiction, healthy living, kindness and compassion, nutrition, and the importance of education” among Melania Trump’s chief concerns. The First Lady also advocates against cyber-bullying, which fits with her focus on the welfare of children. Children and very young adults are most vulnerable to cyber-bullying, a malign form of digital torment– often anonymous — that has led to isolation, depression, and suicide in victims.
[related: Melania Trump Speaks 5 Languages, More Than Any Other First Lady]
Yet despite her indisputably good intentions, Melania Trump’s stand against cyber-bullying strikes some as hypocritical — since the president is so adept at the practice. President Trump hurls Twitter insults like a political Don Rickles, at targets not limited to his political rivals or foreign adversaries. (It’s not just Elizabeth Warren and the North Korean dictator in Trump’s sights, but his own political picks like Attorney General Jeff Sessions.) Even so, as Mrs. Trump made clear in a meeting with technology executives this week, she continues to press for safeguards against cyber-bullying, especially for at-risk age groups. “I am well aware that people are skeptical of me discussing this topic,” the First Lady said to reps from Amazon, Facebook, Google, et al. “But it will not stop me,” she said.
It was a very productive meeting on cyber safety & how to teach our children to be responsible digital citizens. Thank you @amazon @Facebook@FOSI @Google @m_Beckerman @Microsoft @Twitter & @snap for coming to the @WhiteHouse today & sharing your valuable insight and expertise. pic.twitter.com/YY2srrbYhP
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) March 20, 2018
