On Monday, February 3, former First Lady Melania Trump addressed lawmakers and victims of revenge porn and AI-generated deepfakes on Capitol Hill. Speaking at a roundtable dedicated to online safety, she called for stronger legislative measures to protect youth from digital abuse, specifically advocating for the passage of the bipartisan Take It Down Act.
Championing Online Safety
During the event, Melania stressed the importance of safeguarding children from the harmful effects of nonconsensual intimate imagery. “I am here with you today with a common goal — to protect our youth from online harm,” she declared. Emphasizing that every child deserves a safe digital space, she urged Congress to prioritize the legislation as a means to promote accountability and healing in the digital age.
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The Take It Down Act Explained
Introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), the Take It Down Act seeks to make it a federal crime to publish or threaten to publish nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated forgeries. The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year, outlines severe penalties: up to three years in prison for violations involving minors and up to two years for adults, with additional jail time for threatening offenses. Supporters argue that this legislation is critical to counteract the rising tide of revenge porn and malicious online content that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
Emotional Testimonies and Cross-Party Support
Melania’s remarks were bolstered by powerful testimonies, including that of 15-year-old Elliston Berry, who shared her painful experience of being targeted by AI-generated explicit images on social media. Lawmakers from both parties, including Rep. Ro Khanna and several Republicans, joined the discussion, calling for robust measures to protect the privacy and dignity of individuals affected by online abuse.
Despite the bipartisan nature of the discussion, Melania expressed disappointment over the lack of visible support from some Democratic leaders. “I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue,” she said, urging all members of Congress to set aside partisan differences for the sake of America’s children.
Melania concluded by emphasizing that the Take It Down Act represents more than just policy—it is a powerful step toward justice, healing, and unity. “Congress can take an important step toward ensuring accountability and fostering responsible online behavior,” she added. Her impassioned plea resonates with a growing public demand for measures that not only protect individual rights but also create a healthier digital environment.
