Melania Trump debuts 'Be Best' campaign for kids' well-being

WASHINGTON — Melania Trump gave a splashy launch Monday to her public awareness campaign to help children, calling it "Be Best." In a rare twist on their White House roles, she commanded the Rose Garden lectern while President Donald Trump watched from the audience.

The first lady said the "Be Best" campaign will focus on childhood well-being, social media use and opioid abuse.

"As a mother and as first lady, it concerns me that in today's fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and oftentimes turn to forms of destructive or addictive behavior such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide," she said.

"I feel strongly that as adults, we can and should 'be best' at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life," she added.

Trump embraced his wife after she finished her speech and kissed her cheeks five times in a rare public display of affection. They held hands as they walked into the Oval Office after Trump signed a proclamation declaring Monday as "Be Best" day.

"America is truly blessed to have a first lady who is so devoted to our country and to our children," he said before signing the declaration.

The first lady kicked off the event as the White House pushed back against a published report that referenced rumors Mrs. Trump does not live with the president, with press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders denouncing it as "outrageous" and "ridiculous.""The first lady lives here at the White House. We see her regularly," Sanders told reporters. "I think that's something that belongs in tabloid gossip, not on the front pages of The Washington Post. And I hope that they'll do better next time."The first lady lived full-time in New York during the administration's opening months so the couple's son, Barron, now 12, would not have to change schools midyear. She and Barron moved into the White House last June and since then the first lady has gradually been raising her public profile.

Mrs. Trump joined her husband last month to host the prime minister of Japan for a two-day summit at the Trumps' Florida estate, and the Trumps hosted the president of France at the White House on a three-day state visit, including a lavish state dinner. Mrs. Trump also represented the administration at the April funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush.