WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted an early Mother’s Day celebration at the White House on May 8 with military mothers and spouses.
Speaking at the event, Trump delivered a tribute to the mothers of military members.
“Each of the women here today has made extraordinary sacrifices for family and country. You’ve endured time away from your children. You’ve endured time away from everything. You’ve missed birthdays and holidays,” he said.
“You make these sacrifices in your family so that all of our families can be safe and be free.”
He then expressed gratitude to military mothers on behalf of the nation.
The celebration came shortly after the president signed a new trade agreement with the UK, a deal he described as a big achievement.
“Nobody thought it would be possible,” he said.
He also touted enlistment numbers, noting that before the election, “nobody wanted to sign up; they weren’t proud of our country.”
He said that since the 2024 election, that has changed.
“I’m pleased to report that since November, enlistment numbers for every branch of the Armed Forces have surged to the highest levels in 48 years.”
The president wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day, specifically thanking the first lady for being “one of the best moms I’ve ever seen.”
“Sometimes she’s almost too good. She’s so good with Barron,” he said.
The event was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, as well as Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Also in attendance were Jennifer Hegseth, wife of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); and Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.).
The first lady also gave remarks on motherhood, which she called a “life-changing event that makes women invincible.”
She said that military mothers “are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss, and healing.”
“I urge you to prioritize your well-being, nurture yourself, for your strength is the bedrock of a brighter future for our children,” she said before wrapping up her speech.
“Your journey matters. Embrace it.”
During the event, Trump was informed that a new pope had been elected in the Vatican.
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Trump praised the announcement, saying, “It’s such a great honor for our country, an American pope, and what greater honor can there be.”
