Melania Trump has been ripped apart after she read to a group of young children without showing them any of the pictures.
The First Lady, 55, made an appearance at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., last week where she attempted to bring some festive cheer with a story session.
During the visit, a group of kids gathered around and Melania sat down to read How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
As she turned the pages, however, she didn’t invite her audience to steal a glimpse at the accompanying illustrations.
Clips of Melania’s visit have since gone viral with social media users fiercely criticizing her for not properly engaging with her young audience by showing them the images inside the book.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: ‘I don’t mind her accent. But she doesn’t know how to read a book to children.
‘She is looking at the illustrations herself and not sharing them. It is really bizarre.’
Another said: ‘It was obvious by the fact that Melania never turned the book to show children the pictures that she has never read a book to a child in her life.’
Echoing a similar sentiment, a third continued: ‘Everyone missed the fact that it was a picture book for kids and Melania never showed the kids the pictures.
‘That’s why those kids looked so bored.’
Another added: ‘You know, I don’t have to like Melania. I also think if you read to kids, you show them the pictures and don’t dress like a funeral director, but that’s just me.’
‘DON’T THE KIDS WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES MELANIA OR YOU CAN’T READ UPSIDE DOWN?’ someone else asked.
‘Um, retired first grade teacher here. Did Melania ever think to show the children the pictures in the book?’ quizzed another.
When Melania wrapped up her Christmas story, she made sure Hinkle, a current hospital patient, had a proper greeting with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who were standing nearby.
After talking to other young patients, the First Lady tried to leave, but not without giving Hinkle a hug.
She also came baring gifts, including ‘Be Best’ ornaments, to give out to the patients.
Melania was gifted a gold coin from Santa Claus, that said ‘believe’ and ‘Merry Christmas.’
It’s an annual tradition for first ladies to make an appearance at the Washington, D.C., hospital, and Melania came every year during her husband President Donald Trump’s first term.
The tradition dates back to the Truman administration, with Bess Truman becoming the first First Lady to make a holiday visit to Washington, D.C.’s main children’s hospital.
Every first lady has followed in her footsteps.
