First Lady Melania Trump rebuked Democrats for abandoning America’s children by skipping a crucial roundtable on the Take It Down Act, which would criminalize nonconsensual intimate imagery online. The legislation, already passed by the Senate with bipartisan support, would protect young people from devastating exploitation through explicit photos and AI-generated deepfakes that can ruin lives in seconds with a single click.
First Lady Champions Digital Safety for America’s Youth
Melania Trump made her first solo public appearance since resuming her role as First Lady to advocate for the Take It Down Act on Capitol Hill. The bill would make posting intimate images without consent a federal crime and require tech companies to remove such harmful content within 48 hours of a victim’s request.
During the roundtable discussion, Melania expressed disappointment at the absence of Democratic lawmakers despite the bill’s bipartisan origins. “I was heartened to learn that Sen. Cruz and Sen. Klobuchar united to prioritize this fundamental matter,” the First Lady stated, “I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue.”
🚨🇺🇸MELANIA BACKS BILL TO PROTECT KIDS ONLINE
Melania is speaking in the Capitol at a roundtable supporting the Take It Down Act, a bill aimed at giving minors more control over their online presence.
The legislation would require platforms to remove explicit images of minors… https://t.co/HXxqrDZNCx pic.twitter.com/HWCIlQJjPn
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 3, 2025
The legislation was inspired by a real-life case involving nonconsensual AI-generated imagery on Snapchat that highlighted the urgent need for federal protection. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already voiced support for the legislation, recognizing the devastating impact unauthorized intimate images can have on victims.
Protecting Children in the Digital Age
The Take It Down Act would establish crucial federal protections against online exploitation that can devastate young lives. Similar laws already exist in states like Florida, where nonconsensual pornography carries penalties of up to five years in prison, but federal legislation would ensure consistent protection across all states.
"I am here with you today with a common goal — to protect our youth from online harm," Melania Trump said Monday. "The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families and communities."Â
"Addressing this issue is… pic.twitter.com/6gUZuQlv3C
— Merissa Hansen (@merissahansen17) March 3, 2025
The First Lady emphasized the importance of creating safe digital spaces for young Americans to express themselves. “Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm,” Melania declared during the roundtable event.
Senator Ted Cruz, who co-sponsored the bill with Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, highlighted the traumatic impact of deepfake technology. “No one should have to experience the pain, humiliation, and trauma that so many Americans have at the hands of AI deepfakes,” Cruz stated during the discussion.
Putting Children Above Partisan Politics
The First Lady made a powerful appeal for lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of American children over political differences. “Surely, as adults, we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics,” Melania Trump stated, drawing attention to the Democrats’ absence from this crucial child safety initiative.
“The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families, and communities. This toxic environment can be severely damaging. We must prioritize their well-being by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate this hostile digital landscape.”
The bill has already cleared the Senate but awaits action in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. With Melania Trump’s powerful advocacy and the backing of tech industry leaders like Meta, the legislation has gained significant momentum to become federal law and protect vulnerable Americans from digital exploitation.
Attorney Spencer Kuvin noted the importance of federal legislation to address interstate issues, stating, “The only way this could be a federal issue is if it affects commerce between the states.” The Take It Down Act would provide consistent protection nationwide rather than the current patchwork of state laws.
Sources:
First lady Melania Trump advocates for ‘Take It Down Act’ to protect people online
Melania Trump Slams Democrats for Not Supporting Take It Down Act: ‘Prioritize America’s Children’