First Lady Melania Trump addressed the B’More Youth Summit on Tuesday and was met with boos by the young audience, as seen in a video of the event.
CNN White House reporter Kate Bennett, who covers the First Lady, wrote her firsthand account of what happened in a series of tweets, noting, “At youth opioid awareness event in Baltimore for a speech to attendees mostly of high school and middle school age, @FLOTUS was loudly booed upon introduction. Talking continued throughout her five minute remarks.”
Bennett, who has covered Trump for three years, added “that was the worst booing she has received at a public event where she has given solo remarks.”
“Thank you to all of the students who are here. I am so proud of you for the bravery it takes to share that you have been strongly affected by the opioid epidemic in some way,” Trump said over the noise as attendees in the auditorium at University of Maryland, Baltimore County spoke loudly through her remarks.
Trump’s “Be Best” campaign is largely aimed at children’s well-being, focusing on online safety and opioid use.
The campaign has been received negatively before, spawning spoofs and criticism since its inception.
A representative for the White House responded to TheWrap’s request for comment Tuesday afternoon with a statement from the First Lady.
“We live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the fact is we have a serious crisis in our country and I remain committed to educating children on the dangers and deadly consequences of drug abuse,” it read.