Melania asks UN ‘to step up’ to protect children; Kerry says speech too harsh

First lady Melania Trump is calling on world leaders to “step up” to improve the lives of children.

She will deliver the remarks early today during a luncheon at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. The White House says the audience will include spouses of world leaders, among others.

In prepared remarks, Trump says that children are often “hit first and hardest in any country” when it comes to drug addiction, bullying, poverty, disease, trafficking illiteracy and hunger.

She says, “We need to step up, come together, and ensure that our children’s future is bright.”

Former Secretary of State John Kerry says President Donald Trump’s United Nations speech may have put America in isolation and danger.

Appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” sho, Kerry criticized Trump’s harsh rhetoric against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kerry said, “You have to ask yourself: Is America safer because of ‘rocket man?” He was referring to Trump’s characterization of Kim.

Kerry said that kind of harsh language will make it harder for the United States to engage in diplomacy on North Korea and other international issues.

Kerry also charged that Trump emphasized his “America First” mantra mostly to please his supporters at home rather than the world community. “You give a speech at the United Nations to bring people to the table,” he added.

President Donald Trump spoke to the General Assembly, vowing that he would “totally destroy” North Korea if forced to defend the U.S. or its allies. AP