First lady talks of life in White House

WASHINGTON — First lady Melania Trump opened up a bit Wednesday about life in the White House, where 12-year-old Barron is more interested in sports than social media and she thinks the red topiary trees work just fine as part of her holiday decor.

Along with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Trump spoke at a forum at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic, one pillar of her “Be Best” initiative. She even took questions.

The first lady said she’s talked with Barron about the dangers of opioids and other drugs.

“I teach him what is right, what is wrong,” Trump said. “I will always tell him that drugs — they could be very dangerous and they could mess up your mind and body, and to love yourself more than you love drugs.”

She stressed the importance of getting rid of the stigma associated with opioid or other substance addiction.

Trump had a ready response when asked about criticism of the red holiday topiaries lining the East Colonnade that some have said look creepy.

“We are in the 21st century and everybody has a different taste,” she said. “I think they look fantastic. ... In real life, they look even more beautiful.”

Trump said both she and the president have packed schedules but try to have dinner together and “just talk what’s happened through the day.”

As for the importance of civil behavior, Trump said: “Sometimes you need to fight back, I’m sorry.”

Responding to a question, she said she hasn’t thought about writing an autobiography, then added that “what’s going on in my life” could produce “many books.”