As part of her unironic “Be Best” antibullying campaign that includes encouraging social media users to be kind and respectful to one another, Melania Trump — whose husband, Donald Trump, recently called a woman of color a “lowlife” and a “dog” on Twitter — delivered a speech about cyberbullying at a summit Monday in Rockville, Md.
"In today's global society, social media is an inevitable part of our children's daily lives," Melania Trump said, according to CNN. "It can be used in many positive ways, but can also be destructive and harmful when used incorrectly. This is why 'Be Best' chooses to focus on the importance of teaching our next generation how to conduct themselves safely and in a positive manner in an online setting."
For her first major initiative as first lady, Trump launched the “Be Best”campaign in May despite her husband’s near-daily invective on social media, a disconnect that she has previously addressed, according to her communications director, Stephanie Grisham.
"She's addressed this before. She is well aware of the criticism, but that will not deter her from doing what she feels is right. I would hope most people in this country are proud that they have a strong and independent first lady who only has the best interests of children at heart — I know I am," Grisham told CNN.
Even as Trump was prepping her speech, her husband was ruthlessly tweeting this weekend about former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance Donald Trump ripped away last week as payback for speaking out against him. Trump tweeted that Brennan is a “hack” and "the worst CIA Director in our country's history."
Then in her speech, Melania Trump said, "Let's face it. Most children are more aware of the benefits and pitfalls of social media than some adults, but we still need to do all we can to provide them with information and tools for successful and safe online habits."
Of course, Twitter users were predictably vicious and hilarious in their response to her hypocrisy.
First Lady Melania Trump -
Is your bullying husband going to unblock those he silenced on Twitter (Twitter is a social media platform) for speaking out against him?
Asking for a friend.
And Be Best!— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) August 20, 2018
You asking people to be best at cyberbullying is like Al Capone’s wife asking people to be best at using guns.(Be Best is not a grammatically correct phrase).
— Laura Robinson (@LauraRo58807060) August 20, 2018
Appreciate the sentiment but problems:
1) "Be Best" is incorrect grammar--really disturbing coming from this office
2) It is hypocritical as it's in direct opposition to her husband, but she won't contradict him publicly
3)Concerned about children while wearing this? pic.twitter.com/xUfWJswOgA— Michele (@allymichele1390) August 20, 2018
And get this, Melania Trump speaks out against cyberbullying as part of her Be Best. No really! pic.twitter.com/dLTkOaQAwJ
— Bobby (@doubobee55) August 20, 2018
Isn’t Melania Trump right now at her “Be Best” campaign, which aims to stop bullying? #stopTweeting pic.twitter.com/sNr2ap9MfP
— LGBT Puerto Rico (@lgbtpr) August 20, 2018
First lady Melania Trump speaks out against cyberbullying as part of her Be Best campaign.
There are not enough GURL BYES.. for this foolishness. Be Best
CNN
MSNBC#deadlinewh
Hardball#TheLastWord
National Disgrace pic.twitter.com/hAYijtsFzN— politicsdiva (@politicsdiva817) August 20, 2018
It was the worst of times, it was the be best of times.
— The Littlest Hobo (@construct_001) August 20, 2018
Girl you need to abandon this campaign until AFTER your divorce!! No seriously!
— AmericaBeforeRussiaResist! (@TXBelle18) August 20, 2018
Gurl, just hold on. Mueller's trying to secure your freedom.Thoughts and prayers. #BeBest
— Negro Nancy (@Negro_Nancy) August 20, 2018
You know if you divorce him you send a strong message about bullying? As well as get paid.
— MR. Wop Kon Jorge (@KonWop) August 20, 2018
You’re kidding right?? Oh I get it! You’re shading @realDonaldTrump low-key?? Got it! pic.twitter.com/bYyZLGUKWg
— AmericaBeforeRussiaResist! (@TXBelle18) August 20, 2018
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