In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Melania Trump—third wife of President Donald Trump—revealed why she began her "Be Best" campaign to address cyber bullying. ABC News filmed the interview in Africa during her first solo international trip as First Lady.
Contrary to the assumptions of many, the FLOTUS' pet project did not arise from problems she saw with children being bullied on social media. Social media bullying contributes to the suicides of children throughout the United States.
Instead of child welfare, Trump stated her inspiration came from herself being the "most bullied person on the world."
The FLOTUS added her program hoped to teach children how to behave so they would know to not bully others when they are adults. Melania Trump stated:
"We need to educate the children of social emotional behavior so when they grow up and they know how to deal with those issues."
"I could say I'm the most bullied person on the world": First lady Melania Trump claims she is among the most bulli… https://t.co/YpDbmH5ZDN— CNN (@CNN) 1539258696.0
Watch the first ladies comments to ABC News Chief National Affairs Correspondent Tom Llamas here.
EXCLUSIVE: First lady Melania Trump says her “Be Best” policy platform targeting online bullies is personal. “I cou… https://t.co/4abm8MKMHu— ABC News (@ABC News) 1539254438.0
The fact First Lady Melania Trump's "Be Best" campaign revolved around ensuring children learned not to bully adults like her, instead of other children, drew criticism online.
@CNN So.... this is the reason for the online bullying campaign. Not stories about kids being bullied, not all the… https://t.co/4BlijOyQxq— Shannon M. (@Shannon M.) 1539259217.0
@Shannonydm40 @CNN It really does. It really really does. She said so herself that she doesn't really care about th… https://t.co/Nyru2FtNfG— Rabid Angel (@Rabid Angel) 1539259350.0
@CNN It’s all about Melania. Bless her heart. She doesn’t have a clue.— Mary Lou Ullrick (@Mary Lou Ullrick) 1539259730.0
@ABC So #bebest is abt her. The entire family is self absorbed.— 2sense (@2sense) 1539254882.0
@ABC Why do the Trumps make everything about themselves??— Lord DavidC ☕️ (@Lord DavidC ☕️) 1539255312.0
@motheradamplay @ABC Narcissism at its worst. It is about them every minute of every day— Deb Schadlick (@Deb Schadlick) 1539257112.0
@ABC @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS who sit in a gold-plated tower, are always whining about how they are victims. Cut… https://t.co/4PYslmWnMg— Lynda Wright (@Lynda Wright) 1539255606.0
Some brought up the First Lady's recent comments about sexual assault victims.
@ABC Sorry, Melania, but I’m gonna need you to provide some proof and evidence before I can believe you. Otherwise,… https://t.co/9uPFP9VcNy— Bobbi J White (@Bobbi J White) 1539257337.0
A few made the distinction between bullying and getting backlash for poor personal choices, like demanding to see President Barack Obama's birth certificate or wearing a jacket that says "I don't really care, do you?" when going to see children separated from their parents being held in detention facilities.
@ABC Melania Trump Asks To See Barack Obama's Birth Certificate - Supported Birther Movement https://t.co/2wmBiLItgq— Angela (@Angela) 1539255314.0
@AdavisWilliams @ABC Birtherism disgusts me to no end. Let's keep reminding people that Melania and her husband were a part of it.— Color Me Purple (@Color Me Purple) 1539259187.0
@ABC @AmyFreeze7 Please, this lady completely backs her husband's ugly agenda and she positions herself for negativ… https://t.co/Vv3mkHCSxC— Keith Rich (@Keith Rich) 1539258463.0
While others took exception to the Flotus' characterization of her own situation.
People questioned her claim of being the "most bullied person on the world."
@CNN Reading this I just bursted out in laughter! Hahahahaha— DB Williams (@DB Williams) 1539258855.0
@CNN It’s amazing how the privileged few feel they are the most persecuted. She is so far out of touch...she makes Kanye seem lucid.— Steve Stone 🗣🎙📻📺 (@Steve Stone 🗣🎙📻📺) 1539258914.0
@CNN Compared to LGBTQ? Compared to special needs kids? Compared to blacks? Compared to other women? Yeah.... didn’t think so, sweetie— I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸 (@I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸) 1539259046.0
@jpwadkins @CNN Nope, she’s not immune. But there are people out there who have been bullied, beaten, killed, etc.,… https://t.co/MlAMRDeY60— I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸 (@I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸) 1539263169.0
@jpwadkins @CNN Also, @MichelleObama was and still is far more bullied. Being called a monkey? That’s racist bullyi… https://t.co/zva53uYHPd— I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸 (@I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸) 1539263295.0
@jpwadkins @CNN @MichelleObama She is bullied because of her defense of her husband. No one would even pay attentio… https://t.co/ynBFlbeyBW— I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸 (@I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸) 1539263788.0
@jpwadkins @CNN @MichelleObama There IS a difference between people who were born with a certain skin color or sexu… https://t.co/qx6aSBz5eb— I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸 (@I Want My Country Back 🇺🇸) 1539263880.0
@Idess_HaloStar @ABC @ChelseaClinton is gracious and dignified. @KellyannePolls could learn from her.— Julie Lynn (@Julie Lynn) 1539256997.0
@ABC https://t.co/74DPhEHGyj— Michelle is #AllinforWarren (@Michelle is #AllinforWarren) 1539256495.0
Watch ABC News teaser for their full interview here, including the First Lady's full comment on her inspiration for "Be Best."