This is surprising.
Washington, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump returned to the U.S. State Department Tuesday in a powerful moment of grace and conviction, honoring heroic women from across the globe who embody faith, family values, and fearless courage in the face of adversity.
The 2025 International Women of Courage Awards — now in its 19th year — brought together a diverse group of global women leaders, many of whom have risked their lives to fight human trafficking, defend religious freedom, and protect women and children in dangerous regions.
First Lady Melania Trump: “Love Is a Universal Language That Transforms Lives”
Melania Trump, elegant as ever and committed to uplifting others, shared a heartfelt message during the ceremony.
“Throughout my life, I have drawn strength from love — in hardship, in forgiveness, and in hope,” she said. “Love inspires courage, and courage moves humanity forward.”
Her message resonated with themes close to the hearts of millions of Americans — family, faith, compassion, and justice.
Trump Administration Leaders Join in Honoring Global Heroines
Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the event, joined by a powerful team of female leaders from President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet, including:
- Attorney General Pam Bondi
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon
- Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler
- Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
Their presence reinforced the Trump administration’s ongoing support for women’s empowerment, Christian values, and American leadership on the world stage.
Shining a Light on Human Trafficking and Religious Persecution
One honoree, Georgiana Pascu of Romania, was hailed as a “watchdog for the voiceless.” Her tireless work has led to the arrests of human traffickers and members of organized crime rings — a cause that aligns with President Trump’s long-standing commitment to ending human trafficking.
Another recipient, Amit Soussana of Israel, was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack. Now a vocal advocate for the innocent hostages still held by Hamas, Soussana represents the resilience of the human spirit and the need for strong U.S. leadership in the Middle East.
Honoring Courage in the Face of Injustice
The awardees came from countries including Burkina Faso, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Yemen, and Israel — women from regions where faith, freedom, and family values are under constant threat.
Mrs. Trump’s remarks celebrated these women for “choosing peace when others chose silence, for rising up when others fell back.”
A Legacy of Conservative Leadership and Global Impact
This event highlights the continuing global impact of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, which places a strong emphasis on:
- Protecting religious liberty
- Ending violence against women and children
- Championing democracy and human rights
- Standing up to radical extremism and terrorism
“Let their stories inspire us to act with purpose,” Melania Trump said. “Every act of love creates a ripple of transformation in the world.”
More Than a Ceremony — A Call to Action
Since 2007, over 200 women from 90+ countries have received the International Women of Courage Award, selected through U.S. embassies and approved by senior Department officials.
With President Trump once again at the helm, America is reclaiming its moral leadership — not just by military strength, but by standing boldly for human dignity, traditional values, and moral clarity.
Melania has shown the world what a gracious loving woman is in family, career and community. She is wonderful! God bless her.