According to her spokesperson, Melania Trump decided to visit detention centers housing children because she deeply cares about the controversial issue.
But the jacket the U.S. first lady wore for Thursday’s trip conveyed a different message.
“I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” was daubed on the back of her jacket in large white brush strokes.
The trip to Texas was the most high-profile public appearance Melania Trump had made since undergoing a surgical procedure for a kidney condition on May 14.
Melania Trump wore a hooded green khaki jacket designed by fashion chain Zara as she boarded her flight to Texas in front of news photographers.
The first lady, a former fashion model, sometimes gets input on wardrobe decisions from her fashion adviser, Herve Pierre.
“It’s a jacket,” Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump’s spokeswoman, told reporters. “There was no hidden message. After today’s important visit to Texas, I hope the media isn’t going to choose to focus on her wardrobe.”
The first lady’s unannounced visit came a day after her husband signed an executive order to modify his administration’s practice of separating children from their migrant parents when they illegally enter the United States.
Children have been sent to detention centers and foster homes while their parents are detained and prosecuted.
Defending his wife’s choice of jacket, Trump blamed the media, tweeting: “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” written on the back of Melania’s jacket, refers to the Fake News Media. Melania has learned how dishonest they are, and she truly no longer cares!”