Michelle Obama commented on Donald Trump and the impact his ‘behavior’ is having on America’s youth in a speech on Friday, as she appeared at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to present the School Counselor of the Year award.
The former first lady, 54, described how difficult it is to model good character nowadays, and while she didn’t name anyone, she clearly cited ‘the kind of behavior being modeled in public life’ as one of the factors that don’t make the job any easier.
Both Obamas have kept a relatively low profile since leaving the White House, but Friday’s speech marked Michelle’s first big address since stepping down as first lady, and her second major appearance of the week.
Address: Michelle Obama took thinly-veiled swipes at Donald Trump in a speech today, as she appeared at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Duties: The former first lady, 54, presented the 2018 ASCA School Counselor of the Year award
‘Trust me, I know this work isn’t easy,’ she told the crowd, in remarks that addressed teachers’ responsibility to teach children about good character.
‘Especially right now. I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there. And there’s no denying our kids, what they see on TV, the kind of behavior being modeled in public life, that, yes, impacts their behavior and their character.’
Michelle also delivered an empowering message to the teachers in attendance, according to The Hill.
‘But at times like this, the work that you all are doing is even more urgent, even more critically important,’ she added. ‘You all have the power to teach kids what it means to go high when others go low.’
The former first lady also alluded to Trump’s campaign slogan, Make America Great Again, during her address.
Remarks: While Michelle didn’t name anyone, she clearly cited ‘the kind of behavior being modeled in public life’ as one of the factors that don’t make teacher’s jobs any easier
Optimism: Michelle also delivered an empowering message to the teachers in attendance
Valuable: ‘The work that you all are doing is even more urgent, even more critically important,’ she said. ‘You all have the power to teach kids what it means to go high when others go low’
Reference: The former first lady also alluded to Trump’s campaign slogan, Make America Great Again, during her address
Influence: ‘There’s no denying our kids, what they see on TV, the kind of behavior being modeled in public life, that, yes, impacts their behavior and their character,’ Michelle said in what appeared to be a reference to Trump
‘While it was nice to hold this event in the White House last year, this was never about the White House. It was never about me or Barack, and it’s never about the handful of people who happen to be in power at any given time,’ she said according to CNN.
‘Folks who model decency and dignity and integrity for our kids every single day, see, that’s who we are. That more than anything is what shapes our children and that’s what makes America great.’
After her remarks, Michelle presented school counselor Kirsten Perry with her award.
Last year, Michelle also presented the distinction, this time at the White House, in what became her final speech as first lady.
‘Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t matter, or like you don’t have a place in our American story. You do,’ she said at the time.
Values: ‘Folks who model decency and dignity and integrity for our kids every single day, see, that’s who we are,’ she said, adding that’s an example of ‘what makes America great’
Prize: After her remarks, Michelle presented counselor Kirsten Perry (left) with her award
Tradition: Last year, Michelle also presented the distinction, this time at the White House, in what became her final speech as first lady. She is pictured on Friday
Guest: Today’s address came after Michelle appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show on Thursday, telling the host about the gift Melania Trump gave her on Inauguration Day
‘So, that’s my final message to young people as First Lady. It’s simple. I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don’t be afraid. Do you hear me, young people? Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education.’
Today’s address came after Michelle appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show on Thursday, and finally revealed what was in the Tiffany box Melania Trump gave her on Inauguration Day.
Photos of Michelle holding the box went viral due to her uncomfortable expression, but Michelle, who said the current first lady gave her a ‘lovely frame’ from Tiffany & Co, explained that had nothing to do with the gift itself.
‘Well there is all this protocol,’ she told Ellen. ‘This is like a state visit so they tell you they’re going to stand here, and never before do you get this gift so I’m kind of like, “OK…What am I supposed to do with this gift?”
‘And everyone cleared out and no one would come and take the box. And I’m thinking, do we take the picture with?
‘And then my husband saved the day—see he grabbed the box and took it back inside. But everybody cleared out. No staff, no one. I was like what do you do with the box?’