Melania Trump urges Congress to pass permanent foster care reforms

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:03:00 +0200

First Lady Melania Trump addressed a bipartisan congressional committee on Wednesday, advocating for the permanent enactment of her 'Fostering the Future' executive order. Emphasizing that education is a critical foundation for success, she argued that children in foster care deserve the opportunity to achieve financial independence and entrepreneurial success. Trump noted that only about 3% of foster youth attain a college degree, highlighting systemic barriers such as housing instability, limited educational support, financial challenges, and transportation issues. Since its launch in 2021, 'Fostering the Future' has partnered with over 20 universities, including Louisiana State University, University of Virginia, University of Texas, and The Ohio State University, to provide educational and professional support to foster youth. The First Lady framed this initiative as a moral obligation for lawmakers and the broader community, stating that fostering well-being in children strengthen