First Lady Melania Trump’s 4 Community-Centric Pillars of Foster Care

First Lady Melania Trump delivered remarks at the 2026 United States Senate Spouses Luncheon in Washington, DC, where she outlined the four community-centric pillars of foster care and called on the gathering to help advance protections for youth who have experienced foster care in communities across America.

Following the U.S. House of Representatives' unanimous passage of the Fostering the Future Act yesterday, Mrs. Trump encouraged the Senate spouses to help inspire swift action in the U.S. Senate, calling the effort a "moral obligation" to protect and support youth through education, love, opportunity, and resilience.

The First Lady's full remarks at the 2026 U.S. Senate Spouses Luncheon, as prepared for delivery, are below.

If I could spare one heart from breaking, would you rise with me?

Thank you, Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Wyden. I commend your leadership and applaud the work of your entire team, whose dedication made this day possible.

Yesterday, the House unanimously passed the Fostering the Future Act. It is especially fitting that we are together today, because your spouses-America's Senators-now have the opportunity to turn this momentum into permanent legislation to protect our foster care community. Inspire them!

If I could spare one heart from breaking, would you rise with me?

Somewhere on the edge of your town, within your very own community, a young child is praying for help. We have all heard these heartbreaking stories. A child is neglected behind closed doors and lives without the safety and stability that every kid deserves. Their parents are overcome by addiction. The child is vulnerable to harm and abuse.

All of America's children should be experiencing only love, respect, and protection in a warm, comfortable, and safe home.

If you take the time to look for this person, if you commit to finding this individual, you can change the world.

My initiative, Fostering the Future, is built on four community-centric pillars to support America's youth.

First, education is vital. We must strive to provide an unmovable foundation for America's foster care children. This foundation should be built on knowledge and wisdom.

We can all benefit from a strong education, and, as you are aware, intelligence is one of the rare traits a person can carry throughout their lifetime. Children in foster care must have the opportunity to plant their roots in education.

We are fortunate to live in a time when humanity has more access to information than ever before. Access to this level of information sparks innovation, creates jobs, and cultivates a more tolerant, kinder, and peaceful world.

Second, our children in foster care need love. Family brings warmth and an understanding that they are not abandoned, not alone, and not solitary. They are loved. In turn, these individuals will move through our communities with more motivation to find their purpose in life. The physical structure of a house is not enough.

Third, we need to inspire career ambition. When these individuals secure an entry-level job, they can be financially independent, avoid homelessness, and perhaps even become the next great business visionary. This circle can create new jobs for our society, bring more financial value, and raise our community's worth across healthcare, food, and housing.

Fourth, resilience. The power of individuals who are from the foster care community shines. They want to succeed, and they do succeed. They know they are unbreakable and can become stronger. They persevere.

If every one of your states gets involved to support our foster care community, we can accelerate our vision to protect these individuals and set them on a pathway to shine. I consider this your moral obligation.

Last month, I advanced my foster care legislative initiative at the House Ways and Means Committee on Capitol Hill. Two inspiring young Americans from the foster care community joined us to share their personal stories.

Their powerful statements united the bipartisan group around a shared goal of passing new law protecting the foster care community. The bill will soon reach the Senate. Their names are Jayden Martinez and Jocelyn Fetting.

I highlight their names because Jocelyn and Jayden are living proof that the American Dream is within reach for all. This is and should be America's priority, and together, we will make America stronger for our children and grandchildren. Thank you for joining me here today. Your leadership in establishing Fostering the Future within your state can leave a lasting mark on the life of a young person in your community. Together, we will change lives.