'I can’t understand her English’: Melania trolled for #BeBest speech
Melania Trump was mocked after she unveiled a new initiative for children called, ‘Be Best.’ The first lady was accused of using incorrect grammar, plagiarism and she even had her accent criticized.
Trump revealed the program during a speech in the White House Rose Garden on Monday. The Be Best initiative is aimed at combating online bullying, promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing opioid abuse.
The name of the initiative, Be Best, was mocked on social media, as a number of Democrats said it was an improper use of English. Although it is highly unlikely that Trump came up with the name herself, that didn’t stop some elements of the left from claiming the inaccurate grammar was as a result of the fact that English is not her first language.
seriously, I know that English isn't your first language, but BE BEST is totally ding dongy. How about Be your Best?Whatever. #HRCforNYAG
— Beth Elaine Smith (@Aunt_Muu_Muu) May 8, 2018
*Be The Best* You've lived here long enough to learn proper English by now.
— David H Thornton (@DavidHThornton) May 8, 2018
#bebest 🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/XtfLs6ajnA
— Manuel (@manolo_ordonez2) May 7, 2018
#BeBest does @FLOTUS speak English? What is that slogan supposed to mean? Lordy.
— Pam McKim (@pgmckim) May 7, 2018
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel also criticized the initiative during his show on Monday. “‘Be Best’ is the slogan. I think there must be a thought missing, right? There must be a word?” he said. “It was either going to be ‘Be Best’ or ‘Do Goodest,’ and they went with ‘Be Best.’”
Melania, you need better administrative assistance. “Be Best” is improper English. It should read “Be The Best”. And whoever was supposed to write the pamphlet, should be fired. They just changed the logo on the Obama’s pamphlets. Hire someone from a marketing firm to help you.
— Jennifer McCoy (@Jsaffor525McCoy) May 8, 2018
Incorrect.Please choose from below...a) Be the Bestb) Be your Best‘Be Best’ is not grammatically correct. (And it sounds silly to native listeners.) if you’re not sure what to do then use the article (e.g. ‘the’) or possessive (e.g. ‘your’.)Test next week. Study hard!
— Joe (@altonjab) May 8, 2018
It should be #BeBetter or #BeTheBest. #BeBest is not grammatically correct.
— Jane Read Gherardi (@janergherardi) May 8, 2018
Was this a direct translation from Slovenian?"Be best" is nonsensical in English.
— ❄️ 𝕄𝕒𝕞𝕒 𝕊𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕜𝕖 ❄️ (@northeast_mama) May 8, 2018
Some social media users even took swipes at Trump’s speech and made fun of her level of English. Many on the right called out those who teased her about her accent, highlighting the fact that the first lady speaks multiple languages.
Dear everyone making fun of Melania’s accent right now,Melania speaks six different languages:FrenchEnglishSlovenianItalianGermanSerbianShe’s probably smarter than you so you should probably shut up. pic.twitter.com/gUzKAyFWhb
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) May 7, 2018
Maybe that’s the only two words she can say clearly. My bad. Plus it’s a pisspoor slogan.
— katgal (@katgal2) May 7, 2018
does she keep saying “Viking cuddle class” is part of her program? i honestly can’t understand what she’s saying.
— Kevin Allred (@KevinAllred) May 7, 2018
Melania really unveiled #BeBest during #TeacherAppreciationWeek with broken English and a rag tag sign that looks like it was painted by Kindergarteners in the dark whose cookies were confiscated. Bless. pic.twitter.com/IexcAJJmqa
— April (@ReignOfApril) May 7, 2018
I’m sorry with all trump fake money couldn’t they get the Fake First Lady English Lessons, she sounds like a stupid Idiot ! @FLOTUS#Melania#bebest
— Mayday Mindy 🌊 (@maydaymindy9) May 7, 2018
She speaks 5 languages. English is her 5th language. She not only has beauty but brains as well. And Michael oops I meant Michelle has...well when I think of something she's good at I will get back to you. Don't hold your breath lol. May take awhile..
— Elizabeth Harrison (@Elizabe27471268) May 8, 2018
Perhaps the harshest criticisms Trump received were over allegations of plagiarism, and it is not the first time. While President Donald Trump commended his wife’s effort, many were quick to point out the similarities between it and one released by the Obama administration.
Melania's Cyber Bullying booklet was Copied directly from the FTC's booklet That the Obama Admin released.They say that Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thanks again Obama! pic.twitter.com/Rab5gkjIvg
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) May 7, 2018
Fun fact: The White House trumpets “Talking with Kids about Being Online" as "a booklet by First Lady Melania Trump and the Federal Trade Commission." Except for an intro, it's exactly the same thing Obama's FTC put out. pic.twitter.com/AEf6F0gBbt
— The Rude Pundit (@rudepundit) May 7, 2018
The White House issued a statement in response to the reaction Trump’s speech generated. “After giving a strong speech that was met with a standing ovation and positive feedback, the focus from opposition media has been on an educational booklet, ‘Talking with Kids About Being Online’ produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2009,” White House communications director Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. “Mrs. Trump agreed to add Be Best branding and distribute the booklet in an effort to use her platform to amplify the positive message within.”
“Despite providing countless outlets with ample background, information, and on-the-record comments from the FTC, some media have chosen to take a day meant to promote kindness and positive efforts on behalf of children, to instead lob baseless accusations towards the First Lady and her new initiatives,” she said.
Melania Trump just launched "Be Best". In 2016, Michelle Obama encouraged men to "Be Better" pic.twitter.com/RtSz1tmETO
— Michael Cappetta (@MCappetta) May 7, 2018
Melania Trump can't stop stealing Michelle Obama's ideas.Melania Trump launched her platform "Be Best". In 2016, Michelle Obama encouraged men to "Be Better". pic.twitter.com/YRMb0TGgnH
— Denizcan James (@MrFilmkritik) May 7, 2018
To some, her Be Best initiative was a bit too close to comments made by former First Lady Michelle Obama, who said men should ‘Be Better.’
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
