During the International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon, First Lady Melania Trump emphasized the theme of love as a “universal language” that transcends boundaries. The event featured U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the guest speaker, who formally introduced Melania to the audience.

In her opening remarks, Melania shared a personal reflection on the significance of love in her life, stating, “Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times. Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Today, we celebrate courage—a strength that is rooted in love. This truth is illustrated through our honorees, who have proven that love can inspire extraordinary valor.”

The First Lady went on to commend the courageous women being honored, noting that they “showed their love and refused to let fear or hardship define them.” Among the honorees was Georgiana Pascu from Romania, recognized for her dedicated advocacy on behalf of institutionalized children and adults living with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. Her tireless efforts in defending human rights earned her one of the event’s distinguished awards.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the importance of protecting women and girls and promoting their well-being as key American goals. He noted that these objectives align with those of President Donald Trump, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to supporting women’s rights.

Although Melania Trump does not frequently appear in public, her presence at the International Women of Courage Awards is a familiar one. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that this marks the fifth time she has participated in the ceremony, underscoring her ongoing support for women’s empowerment and advocacy.