Melania Trump arrives in Kenya

Many past American first ladies have also made trips to the African continent, including Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

But according to reports congress members have essentially ignored those requests.

The White House has not yet publicly detailed Mrs Trump's itinerary, citing security reasons. She was in Malawi on Thursday, touting the work of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

She went directly to Chipala Primary School in Lilongwe, where she watched teachers carry out lessons to help the students learn English and the Chichewa language.

"Meeting those children and understanding their different way of life is why I wanted to travel here", she said in a short speech afterwards at the United States embassy.

"I was heartened to spend time with the students and was honoured to donate school supplies and soccer balls".

The Be Best campaign, which addresses the social well-being of children, was rolled out this year.

"I know she's moved by what the United States is doing in Malawi", US Ambassador Virginia Palmer told reporters.

CNN White House reporter, Kate Bennett, tweeted: "I have covered @FLOTUS [Melania Trump] for nearly two years and have never seen her smile and laugh more than she is now with these baby elephants".

President Trump supported his wife's visit, sharing that, "It is a handsome thing to see".

One said #MELANIATOO, with the "ME" in bold black.

"US President also has a negative attitude over African People".

Another sign read, "69 Days Past the Deadline to Reunite Families", in reference to Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policy.

US first lady Melania Trump, right in the background, is accompanied by Kenya's first lady Margaret Kenyatta, as she watches baby elephants being fed milk by bottle, at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.