US First Lady Melania Trump spoke about the “power of love” at the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award ceremony on Tuesday, even as US President Donald Trump faces criticism over his mass deportation policies.
Melania, alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio, honoured eight women from around the world for their bravery. "Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times," she said.
"Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Today we celebrate courage, a strength that is based in love.”
However, her remarks stood in stark contrast to the actions of her husband’s administration.
Recently, Donald Trump had vowed to carry out the "largest deportation operation in American history." Just two months into his second term, his crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to legal battles and public outcry.
In one shocking case, immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) admitted to mistakenly deporting Maryland father Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran prison. His lawyers described it as a “torture centre,” arguing that he fled the country in 2011 to escape gang threats. A government filing on Monday acknowledged the deportation was an "administrative error," according to The Independent.
Additionally, the administration has moved to revoke the green card of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, labelling him "pro-Hamas" and accusing him of "antisemitic activities." His detention in early March has triggered protests nationwide.
Meanwhile, the US was recently placed on a global watchdog's list for “faltering civic freedoms ,” raising concerns about democracy under Trump’s leadership.
Despite the administration’s actions, Melania Trump continued to stress love and courage. She highlighted Romanian recipient Georgiana Pascu as an example of “love in action.”
As per the news agency AP, Pascu advocates for institutionalised children and adults with disabilities, often exposing abuse in care centres. "Georgiana is a watchdog who defends the dignity of Romanians whose voices cannot be heard," Melania said.
Israeli honouree Amit Soussana , who was held captive by Hamas for 55 days after the group’s October 2023 attack, pleaded for the release of hostages still in Gaza. “Every single day that passes is another day of unimaginable suffering," she said. "I call on the world to act, to bring them home now, not tomorrow, not next week. Now.”
Other honourees included:
Now in its 19th year, the International Women of Courage Award has recognised over 200 women from more than 90 countries since 2007.
Melania, alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio, honoured eight women from around the world for their bravery. "Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times," she said.
"Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Today we celebrate courage, a strength that is based in love.”
However, her remarks stood in stark contrast to the actions of her husband’s administration.
Recently, Donald Trump had vowed to carry out the "largest deportation operation in American history." Just two months into his second term, his crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to legal battles and public outcry.
In one shocking case, immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) admitted to mistakenly deporting Maryland father Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran prison. His lawyers described it as a “torture centre,” arguing that he fled the country in 2011 to escape gang threats. A government filing on Monday acknowledged the deportation was an "administrative error," according to The Independent.
Additionally, the administration has moved to revoke the green card of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, labelling him "pro-Hamas" and accusing him of "antisemitic activities." His detention in early March has triggered protests nationwide.
Meanwhile, the US was recently placed on a global watchdog's list for “faltering civic freedoms ,” raising concerns about democracy under Trump’s leadership.
Despite the administration’s actions, Melania Trump continued to stress love and courage. She highlighted Romanian recipient Georgiana Pascu as an example of “love in action.”
As per the news agency AP, Pascu advocates for institutionalised children and adults with disabilities, often exposing abuse in care centres. "Georgiana is a watchdog who defends the dignity of Romanians whose voices cannot be heard," Melania said.
Israeli honouree Amit Soussana , who was held captive by Hamas for 55 days after the group’s October 2023 attack, pleaded for the release of hostages still in Gaza. “Every single day that passes is another day of unimaginable suffering," she said. "I call on the world to act, to bring them home now, not tomorrow, not next week. Now.”
Other honourees included:
- Henriette Da (Burkina Faso) – human rights advocate.
- Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea) – advocate against violence and human trafficking.
- Angelique Songco (Philippines) – marine conservationist.
- Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan) – women’s rights leader.
- Namini Wijedasa (Sri Lanka) – investigative journalist.
- Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj (Yemen) – advocate for detainees.
Now in its 19th year, the International Women of Courage Award has recognised over 200 women from more than 90 countries since 2007.
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