March 3rd 2025.
It was a significant day on Capitol Hill as First Lady Melania Trump, accompanied by Senator Ted Cruz and House Speaker Mike Johnson, attended a roundtable discussion on the Take It Down Act. It was her first public appearance since her husband's second term began, and she was there to advocate for legislation that would make posting revenge porn a federal crime.
Melania arrived at the event wearing a stylish khaki pantsuit with a matching vest and a crisp white collared shirt, complete with a navy tie. As she took her seat, she expressed her common goal with the others present - to protect our youth from online harm. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the harmful effects of abusive behavior in the digital world on our children, families, and communities.
The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, would require social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours of being flagged by a victim. In a statement from Cruz's office, the bill also aims to criminalize the publication of AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery. Melania took a moment to take a swipe at Democrats while urging Congress to pass the bill, saying she had expected to see more of them in attendance to address this critical issue.
As the discussion continued, the First Lady thanked the Senate for passing the bill and urged the House to do the same. She expressed her concern for young teens, particularly girls, who are facing overwhelming challenges due to malicious online content, such as deepfakes. Melania stressed the importance of equipping our children with the necessary tools and support to navigate the harsh digital landscape and ensure their well-being. Her support for the Take It Down Act is a continuation of her Be Best initiative, which focuses on promoting the well-being of children, including online.
During the roundtable, several victims shared their stories, including 15-year-old Elliston Berry, who inspired Senator Cruz to introduce the bill. Berry had been 14 when an AI-generated deepfake image of her was posted on Snapchat, and the platform refused to remove it for almost a year. She shared her experience to give a voice to other victims and bring attention to this issue. Another victim, Francesca Mani, also spoke about her experience of discovering deepfake images of herself online at the age of 14. She stressed the need for a strong federal law that would give power back to the victims and ensure quick removal of harmful content.
Lawmakers present at the roundtable expressed confidence that the bipartisan bill would make it to President Trump's desk, especially with the First Lady's support. Senator Cruz expressed his gratitude for Melania's presence and advocacy, stating that her support would be crucial in advancing this bill and providing real protection for teens and children. As the event concluded, the First Lady, Senator Cruz, and other officials were all smiles, hopeful that this vital legislation would be passed soon.
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