Melania Trump Signs Husband’s Executive Order for Show During White House Ceremony

Melania Trump sat beside President Donald Trump as he signed a new executive order aimed at expanding support for the nation’s foster care system — and, in a rare ceremonial gesture, she added her own signature as well.

The order, titled “Fostering the Future for American Children and Family,” was highlighted as an initiative “successfully organized” by the First Lady, according to the Office of the First Lady. Its goal is to strengthen collaboration between federal agencies and public- and private-sector partners to improve opportunities for young people in and transitioning out of foster care.

Melania’s participation in signing the document was purely symbolic.

The First Lady first introduced her “Fostering the Future” platform in 2021 as an extension of her “Be Best” initiative, focusing on child welfare and anti-bullying efforts. This new directive builds on that work by advancing long-term support for foster youth.

The order instructs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to update state child welfare data systems and develop an annual scorecard evaluating each state’s foster care outcomes. It also calls for the establishment of a new federal “Fostering the Future” initiative, coordinated between HHS and the Office of the First Lady.

Through collaboration with private organizations, academic partners, and nonprofit groups, the initiative aims to expand education and employment opportunities for youth in foster care. It includes plans for an online resource platform, improved access to Education and Training Vouchers, and greater pathways to higher education.

Speaking before the signing in the Rose Garden, Melania Trump expressed “tremendous pride” in the development of what she called an “empathetic and strategic” order. She emphasized that the effort will create a “comprehensive network” among federal agencies, businesses, higher education institutions, and charitable organizations.

“My hope, of course, is that this level of coordinated collaboration will sustain,” she said, encouraging continued engagement from leaders across sectors. “Rise above the ease of inaction.”

She concluded by thanking her husband for his “enduring commitment to Fostering the Future,” noting his priority to support children in foster care nationwide.