First Lady Melania Trump has finally addressed a public health concern that has been putting the world on the edge in the last few weeks. On Sunday, March 15, the FLOTUS urged the public on Twitter to practice social distancing and to follow the CDC guidelines about coronavirus, or COVID-19, which has been spreading quickly globally.
The tweet is the first and, so far, the only time that the wife of President Donald Trump has posted anything in relation to the pandemic. Critics of the Trumps have been wondering why Melania has been quiet about coronavirus when public health should be one of her main concerns.
One Twitter user asked why Melania didn't post about the COVID-19 when the outbreak happened weeks ago. The Political Flare reported that many users on social media also asked Melania to do something about the lack of test kits.
Americans have been criticizing the Trump government for its delayed action against the coronavirus. Some also asked Melania why her husband didn't impose travel bans earlier, thus coronavirus is now spreading quickly in the United States.
Prior to her tweet on social distancing, Melania was also criticized for tweeting about the progress of the tennis pavilionrenovations in the White House. People said that the Trumps have been tone-deaf about the plight of the Americans and what's really happening in the world.
On March 10, Melania was at a public event for the National Parents Teachers Association in Virginia. She was also criticized for not discussing the virus scare when hundreds of the participants from that event are going to be traveling back to their states.
CNN reported that Melania has been out of sight during this health crisis. The White House has yet to respond to the news outlet about the First Lady's whereabouts or if she has any plans to speak to the nation to alleviate panic and fear.
The wife of the president was supposed to attend a fundraiser in Beverly Hills on March 18. However, the White House press secretary confirmed that the event was canceled because of a scheduling conflict.
Some recalled that after 9/11, former First Lady Laura Bush delivered a weekly radio address to highlight the abuses against women in Afghanistan. She also exuded a leadership role and was described as the "calmer-in-chief."
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, on the other hand, visited families most affected during the Great Depression. She also raised awareness and support for the war efforts after the attacks in Pearl Habor during World War II.
According to critics, Melania could use this time to do the same and be more informative and communicative. Her advantage compared to past first ladies is she has access to the internet today.
