First Lady Melania Trump recently took a stand on Capitol Hill to advocate for legislation aimed at combatting the growing issue of revenge porn and deep fake images. Her engagement highlights a critical concern for many, especially regarding how technology can impact the lives of young people.
On March 3, 2025, during a roundtable discussion, Mrs. Trump addressed lawmakers about the dangers posed by artificial-intelligence powered deep fake pornography, a troubling trend that has emerged online. She expressed concern for teenagers, particularly young girls, who face the distressing effects of such malicious material.
“It’s heartbreaking to witness some teens grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content,” Melania Trump stated during the meeting.
While speaking on the issue, the First Lady noted the bipartisan effort by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in introducing the Take It Down Act. This important piece of legislation focuses on providing a necessary framework to protect individuals from the harmful effects of non-consensual sharing of sexual images, both authentic and AI-generated.
“I was heartened to learn that Senator Cruz and Senator Klobuchar united to prioritize this fundamental matter,” she remarked, highlighting the need for more Democrats to join this cause. “Surely as adults, we can prioritize American children ahead of partisan politics,” she urged, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
The proposed Take It Down Act aims to establish a clear procedure for websites featuring user-generated content to quickly remove deep fake pornography. Under this proposed law, social media platforms would have just two days to take down such content after receiving a complaint from a victim. The legislation further imposes stricter penalties for those who share sexually explicit images without consent. If the victim is a minor, offenders could face up to three years in prison, while adults could face two years for similar offenses.
“By advocating for this bill, Congress can take an important step towards ensuring accountability and fostering responsible online behavior,” Melania Trump asserted. The First Lady believes that this legislation could pave the way for justice, healing, and unity among citizens.
In the House of Representatives, similar legislation was introduced by Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.), broadening the bill’s support across both chambers of Congress. The panel meeting also featured several lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), lending further seriousness and urgency to the discussion.
Senator Cruz shared the inspiration behind the legislation, recounting a case involving 14-year-old Elliston Berry, whose life was turned upside down when a deeply inappropriate deep fake image of her was posted online. Cruz expressed frustration that it shouldn’t require a senator’s intervention to have such harmful content removed. “It should be the right of every American, every teenage girl victimized,” he declared.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Berry recounted the emotional toll it took on her. “I felt responsible and began to blame myself… I lived in fear that [the fake images] would resurface,” she lamented, underscoring the personal impact of such invasive technology on young lives.
Previously, during her husband’s administration, Melania Trump had spoken out about the importance of addressing cyberbullying through her “Be Best” initiative. Her continued focus on this issue demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advocating for the well-being of children in the digital age.
As legislation like the Take It Down Act moves forward, it is clear that the First Lady’s message aims to break through partisan lines, calling for collective action to protect the youth from the dangers posed by modern technology. It stands as a reminder that in protecting our children, we must come together, prioritizing their safety and welfare above politics.
