Melania Trump secures $7.2M for foster care scholarships at LSU ahead of Alabama showdown
BATON ROUGE, La.— First lady Melania Trump announced a $7.2 million scholarship endowment at Louisiana State University (LSU) on Saturday, delivering a message of hope to young Americans who have experienced foster care before receiving a special football tribute ahead of the Tigers' rivalry showdown against Alabama.Trump wore a Dalma suede bomber jacket by Nour Hammour, paired with an Adam Lippes skirt and Manolo Blahnik BB pumps for the occasion, blending her signature polished style with a more relaxed look suited to a college football weekend.The first lady's visit unfolded against a distinctly LSU backdrop, with purple-and-gold tailgating crowds lining the motorcade route and a massive American flag hanging above the stage inside Patrick F.
Taylor Hall. LSU cheerleaders flanked Trump during her remarks, and the Tiger mascot presented her with both scholarship checks while wearing a signature "Be Best" T-shirt.MELANIA TRUMP CHALLENGES CONGRESS TO MAKE HER FOSTER CARE EXECUTIVE ORDER PERMANENT LAW: 'THEIR BIRTHRIGHT'First lady Melania Trump arrives at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport on Saturday in Baton Rouge, La., en route to Louisiana State University to an event announcing scholarships for LSU students who came through the foster care system as part of her "Fostering the Future" program.(Annabelle Gordon/Pool/Getty Images)There, university officials, donors and students gathered for an announcement supporting young Americans who have experienced foster care through Trump's "Fostering the Future" initiative."This achievement will give young people from foster care an anchor of stability, a strong educational foundation, and a chance to build a wonderful life," Trump told attendees.The permanent endowment includes a $5 million commitment from MMR Group, led by LSU alumnus James B.
"Pepper" Rutland, and an additional $2.2 million raised from 75 LSU Foundation donors.LSU Foundation President and CEO Krista Raney said the contributions had brought the scholar...