Ms Rachel posts support for hijab-wearing kindergartners after Trump post
Ms. Rachel Stands with Hijab-Wearing Students Following Presidential Commentary
Ms Rachel posts support for hijab - Children's educational content creator Ms. Rachel has entered a political discussion after responding to President Donald Trump's social media activity regarding a viral video. The video captured several young students wearing hijabs during their kindergarten graduation ceremony in Minnesota. Rachel Griffin Accurso, known professionally as Ms. Rachel, utilized her Instagram platform to voice her support for these kindergarteners and their families.
A Message of Inclusion and Self-Worth
On Tuesday, Accurso shared a heartfelt message addressing the students directly. She acknowledged their choice to wear hijabs to their graduation and expressed her appreciation for their meaningful selection. Her post emphasized the beauty of diverse cultural and religious expressions among children.
I saw some of you wore a hijab to your graduation. I am glad you wore something meaningful and special to you and your family. I think hijabs are beautiful. Different kids wear different things that are a part of their cultures and religions, such as hijabs, kippahs, or necklaces with a cross. Some kids don't wear anything that is from their religion or are not religious.
The social media post also contained what appeared to be an indirect response to the president's commentary, though Accurso did not mention him by name. She encouraged the children to recognize their inherent value regardless of external criticism.
No one's hurtful words can take away our worth and our value! Just because someone says something does not mean it's true!
Context Behind the Viral Moment
The graduation video gained traction after being reshared by Trump on his Truth Social platform. Originally posted by the X account End Wokeness, the clip depicted students at a school in St. Paul, Minnesota. The account's caption stated that every girl in the video was wearing a hijab at the kindergarten level. Trump shared the footage without adding his own commentary, allowing the visual to speak for itself.
The video shows numerous young children dressed in blue graduation attire with "kindergarten graduation" printed on their garments. More than twelve of the featured students are wearing hijabs or other head coverings, which are traditionally associated with Muslim women.
Expanding Her Message of Kindness
Accurso's Instagram post went beyond simply supporting the students. She shared her personal experiences attending various religious celebrations throughout the previous year, including Hanukkah, an Eid brunch, and her family's Easter and Christmas observances. Her message concluded with advice for children facing hurtful comments.
If anyone says anything hurtful about something you are wearing, tell a grown-up you trust. This will help us keep our communities and world safe. I hope you know that there is more kindness than fear, that love is stronger than hate, and that so many people stood with you.
Political Engagement and Past Controversies
This incident marks another instance of Accurso engaging with political topics through her public platform. Earlier this year, she visited an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, where she met with families who had been separated. She described the children she encountered as traumatized by their circumstances. Additionally, she has previously encountered criticism for her advocacy work concerning children in Gaza.
In January, Accurso faced public scrutiny after appearing to like an antisemitic comment beneath one of her Instagram posts. The comment read, "Free America from the Jews." She promptly addressed the situation in a statement to Fox News Digital, explaining that she had accidentally liked the comment while attempting to delete it.
I accidentally liked a hateful comment on my social media while trying to delete it. I have always been completely clear on this; I do not support language that targets or harms the Jewish community or any community. Antisemitism and hate of any kind have no place in my life or my work.
Accurso emphasized that her work is grounded in kindness, inclusion, and care for all people. With over 20.5 million YouTube subscribers, nearly 9.3 million TikTok followers, and more than 5 million Instagram followers, her voice carries significant weight among families and children worldwide.
Fox News Digital contacted both the White House and Accurso for additional comments but had not received responses at the time of publication.