FLOTUS Pool Report #2: FLOTUS remarks and awards

Sec. Rubio commended the awardees for their courage and thanked them for their work “securing a more just world.”

He gave a special recognition to

awardee Amit Soussana from Israel, who was held hostage by Hamas and shared details about sexual violence.

Rubio introduced the First Lady, who he called an “inspiration.”

Mrs. Trump began her remarks saying, “Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times.”

“Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles,” she said. “Today, we celebrate courage – a strength that is based in love,” she said.

Her remarks in full can be found below. Please check to tape.

After the First Lady spoke, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced and delivered the awards on stage along with First Lady Trump and Sec. Rubio.

Amit Soussana spoke afterwards and described her 55 days being held hostage and October 7.

“Today I understand the true meaning of freedom in a way I never had before&to see the moon and stars and to breathe, to choose one own’s life, those are things I will never take for granted,” Soussana said.

“For too many families there is no hope, only waiting, only longing,” she said.

Soussana called for the release of hostages. “I call on the world to act and bring them home now.”

As the women awardees — some of them dressed in colorful clothing showcasing their home cultures — exited the stage, they were given a final standing ovation.

The event concluded at 1:35p.

FLOTUS remarks, as prepared, from the First Lady’s Office:

Good afternoon, and thank you, Secretary Rubio.

Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times. Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles.

Today, we celebrate courage – a strength that is based in love.

This truth is illustrated through our honorees, who prove that love can inspire extraordinary valor even in the face of vulnerability. Their remarkable stories are a testament to the power of love in practice – for family, community, and our world. This is especially evident in places where their passion defies convention and when it has been shown at great personal risk of stigma, persecution, or harm.

The courageous Georgiana Pascu, one of our award recipients, exemplifies love in action. Georgiana is a “watchdog” who defends the dignity of Romanians whose voices cannot be heard. She fearlessly enters facilities designated as “care centers” to rescue people with disabilities who are unwittingly held captive. In fact, Georgiana usually shows up unannounced and discovers the unimaginable – helpless adults and children bound, sedated, starving, and in extreme cases, dying. Thanks to Georgiana’s brave work, dozens of offenders have been charged with human trafficking, exploitation, and even organized crime.

We are honored to join an exceptional assembly of brave women who have shown their love and refused to let fear or hardship define them. Their collective achievements and dedication move us all.

Let us also take a moment to acknowledge those who persist in their struggles. For each of them, love serves as a powerful catalyst, instilling a profound sense of purpose in their endeavors.

To the women who are driven to speak out for justice, even though their voices are trembling. To the women who are motivated to rise up for their community, when all others remain indifferent. To the women who feel compelled to heal wounds caused by hatred – and cherish peace.

The 2025 International Women of Courage Award recipients come from diverse backgrounds and regions. Yet, love transcends boundaries and territories – it is a universal language. Their courage propels all of humanity forward by advocating to end violence against women and girls, promoting democratic governance, defending human rights, championing education, and fighting injustice. Through their efforts, they instigate progress for all of humanity.

These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world. Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice.

Through their brave actions, they inspire us to embrace our own potential for change, teaching us that while courage drives us forward, it is love that lays the groundwork for lasting impact. Let their stories motivate us to take courageous steps, knowing that each act of love can spark a ripple of transformation.

Thank you.

Meridith McGraw

WHITE HOUSE REPORTER

http://www.wsj.com/

M: XXX-XXX-XXXX

E: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) T: @meridithmcgraw