Continuing “Be Best”: The “Fostering the Future” Initiative
One of the most significant aspects of Melania Trump’s post-White House life is her continued commitment to the core themes of her “Be Best” initiative. Launched in 2018 during her time as First Lady, “Be Best” was a broad platform focused on children’s well-being, with three main pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse. While the initiative faced scrutiny from some media outlets during her husband’s presidency, Mrs. Trump has steadfastly continued its mission as a private citizen.
Her primary vehicle for this work is a new program called “Fostering the Future,” which she announced in May 2022. This initiative narrows the focus of “Be Best” to a specific, vulnerable group: children who are aging out of the foster care system. The stated goal of “Fostering the Future” is to provide educational and financial resources to help these young adults successfully transition to independent living. According to statements released by her office, the program aims to award scholarships and grants in fields like computer science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
In a public statement on her official website, Mrs. Trump explained her motivation. “I am committed to fostering a society where every child can reach their full potential,” she wrote, linking the new initiative directly to her previous work. “By shining a light on the challenges these children face, I hope to inspire a culture of collaboration… to provide these children with the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
The program’s launch was a clear indication of where she intended to direct her philanthropic energy. Instead of establishing a large, traditional non-profit foundation like many of her predecessors, she opted for a more direct, project-based approach. The initiative has been funded, at least in part, by proceeds from her other post-White House ventures, particularly her series of NFT sales. This connection between her commercial activities and her charitable goals is a defining feature of her current public life.
Through “Fostering the Future,” Mrs. Trump has reportedly provided scholarships to several individuals. For example, in 2022, her office announced she had awarded a scholarship to a former foster child to pursue higher education. These actions, while not on the scale of a large foundation, represent tangible outcomes of her stated mission. They are typically announced directly through her office, ensuring the message is delivered without the filter of media interpretation.
This approach allows her to continue a legacy project that was deeply personal to her while avoiding the massive organizational and fundraising burdens of a global foundation. It is a more contained, focused effort that aligns with her preference for a more private life. While the full scope and long-term impact of “Fostering the Future” are still unfolding, it stands as the most prominent and consistent example of Melania Trump’s public service work since leaving Washington. It is a key piece of the puzzle for anyone asking what she is doing now, demonstrating a clear through-line from her official duties to her current passions.
