A crowd at a military Mother's Day event laughed lightly when first lady Melania Trump referred to her husband's empathy.

President Donald Trump and the first lady welcomed mothers of military service members to the White House on May 6. Melania Trump, a mother to Barron Trump, said mothers' love and power are at the heart of America's strength. She then introduced President Trump, who spoke on the "skirmish" in Iran.

"Most know my husband as the strong commander-in-chief, but his empathy transcends the role," she said as laughter bubbled up in the crowd, and she paused to look back at the president. "... And shape a caring leader who constantly remembers each and every American soldier is someone's child."

The laughter grew louder as President Trump shrugged and the first lady smiled back at him. Watch the video below.

More: Melania Trump honors military moms' 'quiet power' before Mother's Day

First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla attend an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2026. The first lady and Britain’s queen joined American students for a hands-on cultural exchange using VR and AI technology at the White House on April 28, 2026.

First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla attend an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2026. The first lady and Britain’s queen joined American students for a hands-on cultural exchange using VR and AI technology at the White House on April 28, 2026.

The first lady posted an excerpt from her memoir "Melania" on social media that tells the story of how she met her husband.

She said she met Donald Trump at the Kit Kat Klub on a Saturday night in September 1998 while at a party with her friend.

“'Hi, I’m Donald Trump,' the man said when he reached my table. 'Nice to meet you.' I recognized the name, and I knew he was a businessman or celebrity, but not much else. He put his hand out to shake mine," she wrote in her book. "His eyes filled with curiosity and interest, and, seizing the opportunity, he took the seat next to mine and started a conversation."

She also wrote that he was accompanied by a beautiful date, so she didn't think much of it at the time, but she was "drawn to his magnetic energy."

They were married in 2005 and had one child together, Barron Trump, the following year.

Yes, she is the only first lady to be a naturalized citizen.

Melania Trump was born in Slovenia.

Melania Trump turned 56 years old on April 26, and Donald Trump is 79 years old. His birthday is June 14.

First lady Melania Trump is 5'11".

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Jay Stahl, Christopher Cann, Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Melania Trump react to crowd's laughter at the mention of empathy