Former First Lady Melania Trump launched her first major initiative since leaving the White House: selling NFTs to support children aging out of the foster care system.
“Melania’s Vision” — the first available NFT through Dec. 31 — is a watercolor of Trump’s blue eyes created by artist Marc-Antonie Coulon. The piece also includes an audio recording from Mrs. Trump.
“I am proud to announce my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts, and will support my ongoing commitment to children through my Be Best initiative,” Trump said in her announcement. “Through this new technology-based platform, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of the foster community."
NFTs will be regularly released and exclusively sold on MelaniaTrump.com, which is supported by Parler. The platform used Solana blockchain protocol and processes payments with MoonPay.
Interested patrons can purchase digital art with cryptocurrency for 1 SOL, which is approximately $180. The digital files will also be available for purchase with a credit card.
According to a press release, Mrs. Trump’s office will host a” one-of-a-kind” auction in January of 2022 that will include “digital artwork, physical artwork, and a physical one-of-a-kind accessory.”
“NFTs have become increasingly popular as artists and others have turned to different ways to make income or invest during the coronavirus pandemic,” reports The New York Post. “Online NFT traders have sold digital images of monkeys, dinosaurs, and penguins for thousands of dollars.”
Trump launched her Be Best Initiative while serving as the First Lady. Its goal was to address the major issues facing today’s children while also encouraging excellence through individuality. The initiative's three primary areas of focus include personal wellbeing, online safety, and opioid abuse.
“It remains our generation’s moral imperative to take responsibility and help our children manage the many issues they are facing today, including encouraging positive social, emotional, and physical habits,” Mrs. Trump said in a farewell summary statement in January. “When we teach our children to cherish our values and care for each other, they are better prepared to carry on Americans’ legacy of compassion, service and patriotism."
In 2019, Mrs. Trump hosted a Be Best event data digital art museum in Tokyo with Akie Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister's wife. Joined by grade school children from the Setagaya Public School, the then First Lady drew fish for the digital aquarium displayed on the walls.
Since President Donald Trump left office, "Mrs. Trump has largely eschewed the spotlight, making only occasional appearances while traveling between Florida, New Jersey and New York," per People Magazine.
