First lady Melania Trump has departed from Washington on her first big international trip without the president.
Mrs Trump left early on Monday evening on a seven-day trip that will take her to the African nations of Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt. Child welfare is to be the main focus.
She gave a rare wave to the press corps and sent an enthusiastic tweet: ""We are taking off for #Africa! So looking forward to visiting #Ghana #Malawi #Kenya & #Egypt as I take #BeBest international. #FLOTUSinAfrica2018."
Her first extended turn on the world stage outside the shadow of President Donald Trump could still be complicated by her husband. Trump has upset some African leaders with impolite comments about the continent, including using a vulgarity to describe some countries.