Twitter goes nuclear after Melania Trump receives “2020 Woman of Distinction” award

First Lady Melania Trump received some undeserved recognition today as she accepted the 2020 Woman of Distinction award from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Supposedly, she received the award for her work with children, including her laughable #BeBest campaign which is ostensibly aimed at stopping cyberbullying. The ironic reality that her husband is the most famous cyberbully on the planet is an inconvenient little fact that she has never acknowledged and her failure to do so shows what a complete farce the initiative is. Indeed, it’s difficult to interpret this award as anything other than an attempt on the part of the university to ingratiate itself with the White House. Some students were understandably upset.

“This award has historically gone to women whose character and impact in Palm Beach has shaped the culture of our home, and I have not been convinced that the first lady’s character or impact here is worthy of that recognition,” senior Graysen Boehning told The Hill.

“The vast majority of students and faculty that I have spoken to about the decision were disappointed by what seems to be a politically-motivated move on the university’s part,” said Tyler Whitehead, head of the university’s College Democrats.

The students are right to voice their concerns. Every day that Melania fails to denounce Donald Trump’s racism, misogyny, xenophobia, vulgarity, and dishonesty is another day that she utterly fails the children not only of America but the world. The president serves as a role model and when that model is as consistently vile and debased as President Trump one can’t help but wonder what kind of negative impact it’s having on young minds.

If the First Lady honestly cares one whit about the welfare of children she’ll develop the courage to stand up to her husband. Until then, she deserves absolutely no praise or thanks for her lack of meaningful action.

It didn’t take long for the news of the award to spread, and Twitter quickly made their thoughts on the matter known. The consensus was overwhelmingly negative, with many focusing on Melania’s consistent enabling of President Trump’s worst behavior.

Remember when we had a First Lady we could be proud of?

https://twitter.com/rion89/status/1230220559801290753?s=20

If for some reason you’re feeling particularly masochistic today you can watch the First Lady’s inane acceptance comments below.

Natalie Dickinson

Natalie is a staff writer for the Washington Press. She graduated from Oberlin College in 2010 and has been freelance blogging and writing for progressive outlets ever since.