“My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as first lady of the United States. I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness and grace,” she said.
“The past four years have been unforgettable.”
Trump, 50, a Slovenian native, married President Donald Trump in 2005. She gave birth to their son, Barron, the following year.
“As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination,” Trump added.
“I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us wherever we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their debt.
“I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet. I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for love of their children. I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that give these children the support and care they need to grow. When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people.”
“In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nation’s drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system. Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has been an honor to represent the American people abroad. I treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I have met along the way,” she said.
The first lady urged parents to teach their children to do their best, educating them about Americans who worked hard and sacrificed for the good of the country and teaching them how to lead by example and care for those in their community.
“The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every opportunity to show consideration for another person and build good habits into your daily lives,” Trump said.
“In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself. Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on America’s legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith.”
The Trumps are scheduled to leave office on Jan. 20. President-elect Joe Biden is slated to be sworn in during a ceremony in Washington, alongside his wife, Jill Biden. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, will also take part.
