Melania Trump made a rare solo appearance on Capitol Hill, advocating for stronger legal protections against deepfake and revenge pornography targeting children. The first lady, speaking alongside teenage victims, called for urgent action on the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of explicit images, including those generated with artificial intelligence.
“It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content,” Trump, 54, said. She was seated beside 15-year-old Elliston Berry, who had fallen victim to AI-generated deepfake images that spread online. The first lady emphasized the need to create a safer digital environment, stressing that children should not have to navigate such threats alone.
The Take It Down Act has already passed the Senate and awaits a House vote. If enacted, it would force social media platforms to swiftly remove explicit content posted without consent. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a co-sponsor of the bill, noted that many victims suffer severe psychological distress, with some even taking their own lives after being unable to erase their manipulated images from the internet.
According to The Times UK, Melania Trump’s involvement marks a significant shift in her public role since her husband’s return to the White House in January. While she has remained largely private, she has continued her Be Best initiative, focusing on child welfare. On Monday, she warned that in an AI-driven world, privacy risks are higher than ever, and without decisive action, young people will remain vulnerable to exploitation.
