In a landmark moment at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump took an unprecedented step by adding her signature to the Take It Down Act, a bill aimed at providing protections against revenge pornography, particularly AI-generated "deepfake" content. The historic event took place in the Rose Garden on Monday, where President Donald Trump invited his wife to participate in the formal signing, an act typically reserved for the President alone.
The Take It Down Act, which enjoyed bipartisan support, is considered the first major legislative triumph for the first lady during her husband's second term. Melania Trump's role in the bill's passage extended well beyond the usual ceremonial duties of a first lady, as she was actively involved in lobbying and promoting the legislation.
At the signing ceremony, President Trump lauded his wife's commitment, remarking, “Honey, you’ve done amazing.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the issue, praising Melania's ability to get the bill enacted. The first lady addressed the gathering before the President, emphasizing the law as a "national victory" and stressing the importance of safeguarding children from online exploitation.
Melania has consistently advocated for children's wellbeing through her renewed "Be Best" campaign. She criticized social media and artificial intelligence for their potential to negatively affect the cognitive development of children, likening them to "digital candy" that, unlike sweets, can have grave consequences.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of the legislative achievement but also a rare moment of political unity. Both President and First Lady Trump noted the cooperative spirit that led to the bill's success. Among the guests were lawmakers from both parties, as well as victims of revenge pornography, including Francesca Mani and Elliston Berry, whose brave testimonies highlighted the urgency of the issue.
Elliston Berry, 15, had shared her harrowing experience of being victimized by deepfake pornography at the age of 14. Her story of resilience and the positive outcome of the legislation provided a poignant example of the law's importance.
The Take It Down Act obliges websites to remove non-consensual sexual images within 48 hours upon receiving a complaint. It addresses both traditional revenge pornography and the emerging threat of deepfake content, which is increasingly sophisticated and challenging to identify.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commended the first lady's dedication, noting her engagement with Congress members, survivors, and their families throughout the process. Melania's hands-on approach, which included a rare Capitol Hill visit, underscored her commitment to the legislation's success.
High-profile administration officials attended the event, highlighting its significance. The ceremony also included a light-hearted exchange where President Trump shared a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, humorously noting Melania's apparent popularity over his own.
The Take It Down Act stands as a testament to the increasing role that first ladies can play in policy-making and advocacy, with Melania Trump setting a new precedent for future presidential spouses.
