Melania Trump Announces Another Child Reunited With Her Family
First lady tallies 34 Ukrainian and Russian children to date reunited with their families through her office with no end of the war in Ukraine and Russia in sight.
Melania Trump announced on Monday the reunification of another child who was separated from her family in the Russian-led war against Ukraine.
The announcement made by the first lady brings the total of Ukrainian and Russian children reunited with their families after being separated during the conflict that started in 2022 to 34.
“There is nothing more powerful than reuniting a mother with her child after an extended period of time. My representative and I are focused on helping facilitate the next reunification of individuals who have been separated from their loved ones because of the war between Ukraine and Russia,” Mrs. Trump said in a statement.
The reunifications orchestrated by the first lady and an unnamed representative began after she penned a letter to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
In August 2025, Mrs. Trump penned a letter to Mr. Putin, which was hand-delivered by President Trump during the Alaskan summit that took place in Anchorage. She wrote that some children in the world “are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them.” She then urged the Russian president to act when she wrote: “Mr. Putin, you can single-handedly restore their melodic laughter.”
The Ukrainian government says nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children were taken and they have been working ever since to bring them back. A Ukrainian website tracks the reunifications and showed as of Monday 2,470 children have been returned.
Calendar
Aug. 22, 2026
History talk: The Wedding of Ulysses and Julia Grant
On a hot August day in 1848, Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Dent were married at the Dent family’s home in downtown St. Louis, beginning a partnership that would withstand war, separation, financial hardship, and public life. This free program to be held from 10 to 11 a.m. local time explores the Grants’ courtship and wedding, examining the experiences and influences that brought them together. Through letters, photographs, and historical accounts, David Newmann, the Program Manager for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, will explore the story behind the Grants’ wedding day and the bond that endured through decades of personal and national change. Read more
Aug. 23, 2026
Remember the Ladies: A One-Woman Journey Through the American Revolution
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, presents “Remember the Ladies: A One-Woman Journey Through the American Revolution” from 2 to 3 p.m. local time on August 23, 2026. The one-woman, in-person show inspired by Abigail Adams’ call to “remember the ladies,” will highlight key contributions in America’s founding era.
Robin Follman is a celebrated soprano and educator who integrates music, storytelling, and public service. Her one-woman show, inspired by Abigail Adams’ “remember the ladies” call, highlights women’s contributions in America’s founding era through music, dramatic monologues, and poetry, featuring figures like Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, and Phillis Wheatley while blending various musical styles into a historical narrative. Read more
Aug. 26, 2026
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: A Founding Mother
Explore Abigail Adams’ life as a wife, mother, political confidante, and one of the most influential women of the Revolutionary era with the National First Ladies Library & Museum from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 26, 2026, for a free virtual book club discussion of A Founding Mother, a new novel about Abigail Adams by bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Read more
Aug. 27, 2026
Soft Power: An Artist’s Journey to America’s First Ladies with Artist Jake Gariepy
The First Ladies Association for Research and Education will present the virtual program “Soft Power: An Artist’s Journey to America’s First Ladies with artist Jake Gariepy from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 27, 2026. Gariepy has combined a lifelong fascination with America’s First Ladies, the White House, and presidential history with his passion for art to create portraits and illustrations that bring history to life. In this engaging presentation, Jake shares the story behind his artistic journey, how he collaborates with clients, and why he believes it is important to capture the lives, personalities, and enduring influence of America’s first ladies through portraiture. He also explores the traditional role of presidential spouses and the unique history and culture of the White House. View here
Aug. 29, 2026
First Ladies for Kids: Michelle Obama
The National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, presents First Ladies for Kids, a free monthly program for children ages 7–10, as it spotlights Michelle Obama—a trailblazer, advocate, and inspiration for all. This in-person program from 11 to 11:30 a.m. local time brings history to life with fun, hands-on activities and engaging storytelling. Each child will also receive a complimentary take-home workbook with exercises in art, reading, spelling, and math. Read more
Sept. 2, 2026
Cookin’ with Congress: Famous Punches & Mocktails of the White House
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents historian and creator Bennett Rea for a lively virtual event from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on September 2, 2026, exploring famous punch recipes, White House entertaining traditions, and creative mocktail variations inspired by presidential history. Read more
Sept. 8-10, 2026
Presidential Sites Summit
The White House Historical Association will host the Presidential Sites Summit at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. on September 8-10, 2026.
This convening will bring together leaders and staff from presidential sites nationwide, including birthplaces, childhood homes, libraries, museums and alma maters—to reflect on the America 250 semi-quincentennial celebrations and accomplishments and look to the future. The program emphasizes lessons learned, future collaborations, and strategies for sustaining relevance in a dynamic cultural landscape. Read more
Sept. 12, 2026
Night Walk Living History: Remembering Julia
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will feature a living history with performers that will include a portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant who will talk about his love for his wife, Julia. This outdoor living history event will take attendees back to the time following the White House years and World Tour, as the Grants visit White Haven for what would be the last time in 1883. Guests will be guided to different parts of the White Haven grounds to hear stories from several of the people who were most important in Julia’s life.
The event is free, but reserved chairs are limited to the first 90 who register. Reservations can be made by calling 314-842-1867 ext. 230. Read more
Sept. 16, 2026
Reimagining Mary Todd Lincoln with Lois Romano, Lucas McMahon & Carolyn Ryan
P&T Knitwear in New York City will welcome author Lois Romano from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss her book An Inconvenient Widow; a revelatory new biography of one of the most misunderstood and vilified First Ladies in American history: Mary Todd Lincoln.
Romano will be in conversation alongside Lucas McMahon, Executive Producer of Broadway’s hit comedy, Oh Mary! The conversation will be moderated by Carolyn Ryan, Managing Editor of The New York Times. Read more
Second Private Tour of the Val-Kill Furniture Exhibit at the Met
Sept. 30, 2026
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill presents an exclusive private tour on September 30, 2026, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit on Val-Kill Industries furniture for some of its supporters. This tour will be led by the exhibit curator, Alyce Perry Englund, and Eleanor Roosevelt’s great-granddaughter, Sara Boettiger. There will also be lunch included after the tour at the American Wing Cafe inside the museum. Read more
Send calendar items, press releases and announcements to jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.