The First Lady rang the bell escorted by the exchange’s first female president, Stacey Cunningham as they discussed the exchange’s history with her. They were joined by children from the United Nations International School while standing in front of a backdrop promoting Be Best, the first lady’s youth initiative. Mrs Trump received applause on the exchange floor and chatted with the children, who looked excited and nervous.
But social media users hit out at the event as they labelled it a “photo opportunity” with the children following outrage from parents not wanting their children to be pictured with Melania.
School administrators are seeking a diplomatic solution to a standoff over the controversial invitation.
There was only room for 10 students to go on the tour with Melania, but it was enough to rile up parents who were concerned their children would be used as political props.
Predrag Vasic, a UN public information officer, said in a letter to a UN undersecretary-general he was “disappointed by the decision to accept this invitation”.
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He added: “I no longer have children in the Junior School, but the concern that I share with many other parents is that those children aren’t only representing themselves and their parents; they are representing our school, and all of us as the UNIS community.”
Parents expressed concerns their children’s appearance with the First Lady would signal an endorsement of the Trump administration.
Mr Vasic added: “Their appearance together with the First Lady confers, by extension, on this US administration, the endorsement of our school and our community.”
In his letter, Mr Vasic pointed out the school organised grief counselling and special activities with students to cope with the shock after Trump’s election win.
Last weekend, Melania and US President Donald Trump held a state dinner for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife.
Planning state dinners come under a First Lady’s responsibility, according to the White House Historical Association.
It states: “The First Lady and her staff are responsible for the elaborate planning and attention behind the glitter and ceremony of the state dinner.
“These formal dinners involve the creation of invitations and guest lists, menus, flowers, table settings, seating arrangements and entertainment for the evening.
“The First Lady works closely with her social secretary, the executive residence staff and the State Department to coordinate every detail of this very special event.”