Melania Trump charity event being investigated by Florida officials

A charity event being promoted by former US First Lady Melania Trump is being investigated by officials in Florida following claims the charity organisation doesn't exist.

The event in question is a high tea in Naples, Florida which claims to be raising money to Melania's 'Be Best' campaign for the 51-year-old's 'Fostering the Future' advocacy work for underprivilaged children.

Melania launched the campaign during husband Donald Trump's presidency.

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A spokesperson for the Florida consumer services department told The New York Times: "Consumer Services Division is currently investigating whether this event involves an entity operating in violation of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes."

This is because there is no 'Be Best' charity officially registered.

The law requires anyone soliciting charitable donations to disclose the identity and purpose of money raised as well as registration with the state government.

Melania has hit back at the claims on Twitter, writing: "Dishonest reporting at it again. Everything has been done lawfully, and all documents are in the works. Read with caution – typical corrupt media.

"We are working w/Bradley Impact Fund, a donor-advised fund, to select charities that will receive the donations to foster children."

Melania is helping to sell tickets to the event in question scheduled for April 9 which claims to be raising funds to "grant computer science scholarships to those aging out of the foster care system".

The 'Tulips and Topiaries' high tea is being promoted as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" with Melania to attend as a special guest and attendees able to "upgrade to a meet and greet opportunity with Mrs Trump".

Tickets are selling for $3,000 (AUD $4,211) for individual seats and $50,000 (AUD $70,192) for a 10-person VIP table.

Melania is also auctioning off her iconic custom-designed white hat worn during the couple's state visit to France in 2018.

Money raised is said to be going towards 'Be Best' and 'Fostering the Future' campaigns. She writes on Instagram: "Since 2018, this custom-designed hat has been symbolic of the French state visit to The White House.

"Now, it's time for someone new to cherish this part of history. #MelaniaNFT #FosteringTheFuture #BeBest."

This follows the former first lady's launch of her own line of NFTs or non-fungible tokens which represent partial or full ownership of everything from art, collectibles and real estate however in this case will represent ownership of digital art created by artist Marc Cantone Coulon.

Sharing the initiative on Instagram, Melania states: "I am proud to share my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts, plus my ongoing commitment to children via Be Best.

"Through this new technology-based initiative, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of foster care."