Melania Trump visited the United States National Archives on the eve of the Juneteenth celebration. But the visit received public backlash as it came amid racial injustice and police brutality protests that have erupted across the country and a one day after President Donald Trump said he made Juneteenth "famous."
Melania was accompanied by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson throughout the visit. The two viewed the Emancipation Proclamation and the Charters of Freedom, which include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights as well as the 13th and 19th Amendments.
The 13th Amendment, in particular, formally outlawed slavery. The 19th Amendment, on the other hand, guaranteed women the right to vote.
In a statement that was released by the Office of The First Lady, Melania said the documents were particularly relevant given its significance to Juneteenth. She added that these documents provide freedom and equality for all, and reaffirm the country's democratic ideals and the values that have inspired her like other Americans.
The former model was born in Slovenia. She became an American citizen in 2006.
Many, however, were not pleased with FLOTUS's most recent outing. Some said Melania should have brought her husband with her so the president would understand the meaning of Juneteenth, an annual celebration that marks the end of slavery in the United States.
Another called Melania a "grifter" for talking about equality in her statement about the visit. The Twitter user pointed out how Melania has an "Einstein Visa" while other immigrants are being rounded up and held in cages.
One also questioned how Melania's father, Viktor Knavs, became an American citizen despite being a former member of the communist party in Slovenia. The social media user stressed that being in or having associated with the communist party is a ground for rejection of citizenship.
Some also noticed Melania's dress for the day and said it resembles a popular candy. Another found it ironic that it has to be Carson that accompanied Melania at the National Archives. One said they can't see how Carson's position as HUD Secretary is relevant to the place or event.
Carson is the only black member in Trump's Cabinet and one of few African Americans in his administration. CNN noted that this is the first time that Melania and Carson participated in an event with just the two of them.
