First Lady Melania Trump shared a Valentine’s Day message with U.S. service members during a visit to Fort Bragg, but her remarks about love did not include any personal reference to her husband, President Donald Trump.
In a rare public appearance together, the president and first lady traveled to North Carolina on Friday to meet with military personnel and their families. During the visit, they also recognized troops connected to last month’s reported capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Addressing the audience, Melania offered a brief but thoughtful message. “To our great armed forces of the United States stationed all over the world, I have a nostalgia-filled message. Happy Valentine’s Day,” she said while reading from prepared notes. She reflected on the tradition of love letters exchanged by service members over the past 250 years, describing them as symbols of both patriotism and devotion to family.
She emphasized that the connection between love of country and love of family is a defining American value. According to her remarks, that balance strengthens the military and supports communities across the nation.
When concluding her speech, Melania formally introduced the president without referencing him in her earlier Valentine’s comments. “It is my distinct honor to introduce your Commander in Chief, our leader who maintains a mission of peace through strength, President Donald J. Trump,” she said.
As President Trump stepped forward, he kissed her on the cheek and then leaned in for a second kiss, drawing attention to a brief moment of public affection. He thanked her before beginning his own remarks.
Earlier in the week, the first lady had marked Valentine’s Day in advance by spending time with children and young adults undergoing treatment for serious illnesses at The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health. The president did not attend that event, as he was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and later speaking at a “Champion of Coal” gathering.
It is unclear whether the president and first lady planned any private celebrations for Valentine’s Day. After their Fort Bragg visit, the couple traveled to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. The president often spends weekends there and is scheduled to attend private meetings during his stay.
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