Melania Trump launches anti-bullying campaign as people point to her husband's behaviour

First Lady acts 'independently of her husband' in taking on bullying, spokesperson says

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania walk the South Lawn of the White House to board the Marine One helicopter July 25, 2017 in Washington, DC. (AFP/Getty Images)

Melania Trump has been forced to deny that her husband’s behaviour contradicted the message of her new anti-bullying campaign.

On a visit to a school in Michigan, the First Lady was challenged on the issue by reporters.

Her husband Donald has previously been accused of bullying his opponents.

Most recently he mocked Republican Senator Bob Corker’s height and feuded with Democrat Frederica Wilson over his alleged remarks to the family of a deceased soldier.

Asked about the contradiction, the First Lady’s communications director, Stephanie Grisham, stepped in and said there was not.

“Ms Trump is independent and acts independently from her husband. She does what she feels is right”, she said.

“She knows that she has a real opportunity through her role as first lady to have a positive impact on the lives of children. Her only focus is to effect change within our next generation.

"She wants to talk to kids about the importance of being inclusive and the negative effects of social isolation. This kind of activity also fosters integrity and leadership in young kids."

Secretary of education Betsy DeVos also joined Mrs Trump at the school.

Since taking up the role of First Lady, Mrs Trump has regularly used her platform to speak out against the issue of childhood bullying.

In a speech to the United Nations in September, she said: “We must turn our focus right now to the message and content children are exposed to on a daily basis through social media - the bullying, the experience online and in person.

“As adults we are not merely responsible, we are accountable.

"I hope you will join me in recommitting ourselves to teaching the next generation to lead and honour the golden rule, do unto others as you would have do unto you."