By David Moye
It’s hard to tell if Melania Trump is purposely trolling her husband, President Donald Trump, but if she is, it’s epic.
The first lady announced on Monday that she is planning a solo trip to Africa this year, according to The Washington Post.
“This will be my first time traveling to Africa and I am excited to educate myself on the issues facing children throughout the continent, while also learning about its rich culture and history,” she said in a statement:
We are a global society and I believe it is through open dialogue and the exchanging of ideas that we have a real opportunity to learn from one another. I look forward to highlighting the successful humanitarian work and development programs being done in many of the countries.
She will be visiting multiple countries but has not specified her itinerary.
The announcement of the trip is ironic, given that her husband described Haiti and African nations as “shithole” countries in January and decided against restoring protections for immigrants from those regions.
“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” the president said, sources told The Washington Post.
Twitter users couldn’t help relishing the irony after the news was announced.
Midwestblue@patsiemichSurprised she’d go to what her stupid husband calls s***hole countries.
One woman was cautiously optimistic about the trip.
Krish Vignarajah@KrishForMDEncouraged that @FLOTUS will be visiting Africa this fall, rather than just writing off the continent as a bunch of “s***hole countries.”
Melania Trump to visit Africa in October https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/melania-trump-planning-solo-international-swing-to-africa … via @bpolitics
Melania Trump to Visit Africa in OctoberWashington (AP) — Melania Trump is planning her first big solo international swing with a trip through several African countries in October.
bloomberg.com
Some people speculated about what Trump will wear there.
vermor@vmori323SO! She’s VACATIONING in Africa . . . is she going to wear her green safari jacket that says “I don’t care . . .”
Some wondered if she will steal her itinerary from Michelle Obama.
weecuppatea@weecuppateaJust googled Michelle Obama’s first official solo overseas trip to see if Melania was copying her again.
Can’t imagine why she’s not: Michelle’s 2nd solo overseas trip was Africa; her first official trip was Mexico City, but her first unofficial trip was post-earthquake HaitiNPR✔@NPR
First lady Melania Trump is planning her first major solo international trip. It will be to several African countries in October, her spokeswoman confirms to NPR.
Although the first lady’s trip is supposed to be a solo journey, some wondered whether she will invite other family members ― like one of her game-hunting stepsons.
Raven@Nipmuc18So, the White House says ole Melania is going to Africa! Is she going with her son and Donnie Jr. So he can be shown how to shoot almost extinct animals. I dislike this Bunch intensely
And one person noted the interesting timing of the trip.
John Leposki@JLeposkiAnd she’ll be out of the country as the U.S. Is in full-blown mid-term campaign mode. #SheGettinOuttaDodge
