First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Fort Rucker, Alabama, on November 12 to meet with military families ahead of Thanksgiving. The visit marked their second joint outreach event to military communities during President Donald Trump’s second term, following a similar appearance at a Marine base in 2024.
During the event, Trump addressed the crowd in an Army green jacket, emphasizing the role of military families. She thanked the families for their sacrifices and urged Americans to reflect on their contributions during the holiday season. "Your role is profound," Trump said. "While your loved ones are deployed, it is up to you to keep your family strong, keep your children safe, and keep your homes full of love."
Trump also called on the public to recognize the sacrifices of military families, noting that many would be missing loved ones at their Thanksgiving tables. "Take a moment to think of America’s service people and the families with an open seat at their Thanksgiving table," she said. "Those families are just as important in maintaining America’s elite status and in protecting our freedom."
The visit follows the model of the Joining Forces initiative, originally launched by former First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden during the Obama administration. Biden continued the initiative during her tenure as First Lady under President Joe Biden.
The event at Fort Rucker included interactions with military personnel and their families, though specific details about the activities or attendees were not disclosed in the available reports.