Melania Trump announced Monday afternoon that she would be going to Africa in October for her first major solo trip since becoming first lady.
“This will be my first time traveling to Africa and I am excited to educate myself on the issues facing children throughout the continent, while also learning about its rich culture and history,” the first lady said in a statement. “We are a global society and I believe it is through open dialogue and the exchanging of ideas that we have a real opportunity to learn from one another.”
Trump’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, gave a statement to The Associated Press Monday, confirming that the first lady will be meeting African children and exploring Africa’s history and culture.
Trump’s only other solo international trip was last September, when she flew to Toronto to join Prince Harry to open the Invictus Games, which he founded for wounded service members and veterans. She has, however, visited many international destinations while accompanying President Donald Trump — Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, France, Poland, Turkey, China, South Korea, Japan, England and Belgium — but this upcoming trip to Africa trip will be the first lady’s first significant journey.
President Trump was sharply criticized around the world for expressing his opinion on African countries in a closed-door White House meeting, that was later leaked by journalists. As a result, many people took to Twitter to joke and comment on the first lady’s decision to go to Africa.
Trump plans on visiting several countries, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
By: Maytinee Kramer
