First Lady Melania Trump has issued a stark warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence and social media, describing them as “digital candy” that can be “weaponized” to harm children. Her comments came during a White House Rose Garden event on May 19, 2025, where she joined President Donald Trump in signing the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” aimed at combating the spread of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes.
“Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children,” the First Lady stated. She emphasized that, unlike sugar, these technologies “can be weaponized, shape beliefs, and, sadly, affect emotions, and even be deadly.”
The “Take It Down Act” mandates that websites remove violating content within 48 hours of notification and imposes federal prison sentences of up to two years for adult content and three years for content involving minors. Enforcement will be led by the Federal Trade Commission.
Melania Trump highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of AI-generated abuse, citing her meetings with survivors and advocates. She praised individuals like Elliston Berry, who “stood boldly for change” despite personal risks. “Your voice, and the voices of so many like you, made this bill a national priority,” she said.
The First Lady acknowledged the bipartisan effort behind the legislation, thanking lawmakers for “coming together to prioritize people over politics.” She linked the new law to her “Be Best” initiative, focused on children’s well-being and online safety. “Today, I’m proud to say that the values of Be Best will be reflected in the law of the land,” she concluded.
