First Lady Melania Trump held an event for her "Be Best" initiative in Baltimore, which focuses on children's well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse. She was greeted with a chorus of boos by attendees of the youth summit but pressed on with her remarks.
WATCH: @FLOTUS Melania Trump remarks on opioids at B’More Youth Summit https://t.co/MUcymYqpuu
pic.twitter.com/91MeT8tGzW— CSPAN (@cspan) November 26, 2019
In my three years covering @FLOTUS at events, that was the worst booing she has received at a public event where she has given solo remarks.
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) November 26, 2019
"Promoting education and awareness on these issues will always be one of my top priorities. I am in this fight with you and I am fighting for you," Melania said, according to CNN. "I encourage you, if you are struggling with addiction right now, reach out for support. Whether it's a teacher, parent, friend, grandparent, coach or pastor, talk to an adult in your life that you trust. It is never too late to ask for help."
Her reception in Baltimore could be explained by remarks her husband, President Donald Trump, made when he disparaged the city on multiple occasions, even calling it worse than Honduras.
“Baltimore happens to be about the worst case,” Trump told The Washington Post. “If you look at it statistically, it’s like, the number of shootings, the number of crimes, the number of everything — this morning I heard a statistic, Baltimore is worse than Honduras, OK?"
Donald's remarks were part of a feud with late Congressman Elijah Cummings, who had been an outspoken critic of Donald's actions.
Elijah Cummings never even went to the Southern Border and then he screams at the very good people who, despite Congresses failure to fix the Loopholes and Asylum, make it work (crossings are way down and the Wall is being built). Even with zero Dem help, Border getting strong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2019
Baltimore’s numbers are the worst in the United States on Crime and the Economy. Billions of dollars have been pumped in over the years, but to no avail. The money was stolen or wasted. Ask Elijah Cummings where it went. He should investigate himself with his Oversight Committee!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2019
Despite the controversial backdrop lingering over the location of the speech, Melania remained on topic.
"I hope the knowledge you gain here will help you tackle the tough decisions you may be faced with, so you can lead a healthy and drug-free life," Melania said, according to The Hill. "Get involved and be a part of the solution."
Booing could also be heard as Melania ended her speech and left the stage.
