Historic First: Melania Trump to Chair UNSC Meeting as Iran War Rages

UNITED NATIONS: First Lady Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, an appearance that was announced last week before the United States launched its war against Iran.

Her office said the former model would “make history at the United Nations, taking the gavel as the United States assumes the Security Council Presidency to emphasize education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.”

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, confirmed Melania’s event would mark the first time a first lady – or first gentleman – has presided over a Security Council meeting.

The United States will hold the Council’s rotating presidency in March. President Donald Trump’s third wife has dabbled in diplomacy before, notably working to try to secure the release of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

Political and financial tensions have mounted between the United States and the United Nations in recent years, with Washington chafing at its role as the main contributor to the cash-strapped UN’s budget. Many observers say the US president intends to bypass the Security Council with his so-called “Board of Peace” – which held its inaugural session in Washington last month, with several countries pledging funds and personnel to rebuild Gaza.

At the meeting, Donald Trump repeated his stance that the UN has failed in its mission. Since returning to the White House last year, he has withdrawn support from several major UN agencies, such as the World Health Organization.