MELANIA Trump has made her first solo appearance of her husband’s second term in the White House.
Her remarks on Monday mark the first time she’s spoken publicly since the inauguration on January 20.
Melania arrived at the Capitol in Washington DC on Monday to show her support for a new online safety bill.
The Take It Down Act, sponsored by Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, criminalizes revenge pornography and fake sexually explicit content.
Melania arrived on Capitol Hill in a tan suit before sharing a brief statement on the bill, which prompted praise of the first lady on social media.
“The always classy and beautiful First Lady Melania Trump is in DC to support the ‘Take It Down Act’ which makes it unlawful to publish non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfake pornography,” one X user wrote.
“Never seen a more classy First Lady in my lifetime like melania Trump,” another added.
A third wrote, “I can’t stand Melania. But that’s a banging outfit. Credit where credit is due.”
In her remarks, Melania called out Democrats for staying quiet as she lobbied for the legislation.
‘I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue,” she said.
“Surely, as adults, we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics.”
She then urged Congress to pass the important legislation.
The Take It Down Act would make it a federal crime to post intimate pictures or videos online with an individual’s consent.
It would also force content to quickly be removed from the internet.
The rule would also crack down on AI-generated nonconsensual graphic content, also known as “deepfakes.”
There are currently no federal laws providing remedies for victims of revenge porn.
I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. Surely, as adults, we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics.”
Melania Trump
However, there are federal civil laws protecting victims including the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 and the Intimate Imagery and Privacy Protection Act of 2022.
Plus, every state except for South Carolina has laws criminalizing revenge porn.
On Monday, Melania was joined by Cruz, as well as Elliston Berry, a teen victim of deepfake pornography.
Cruz said he was inspired to support the bill after Berry and her mom pleaded for his help after Snapchat refused to remove deepfakes of the teen for almost a year.
“No one should have to experience the pain, humiliation, and trauma that so many Americans have at the hands of AI deepfakes,” Cruz said.
If the bill becomes a law, social media platforms would be required to take down that content within 48 hours of a victim’s request.
The Take It Down Act passed the Senate in February.
During Donald Trump’s first administration, Melania also led an initiative called Be Best, which similarly focused on online safety.
She has made just a few public appearances since her husband took office.
Melania is expected to return to the Capitol again on Tuesday for the president’s address to a joint session of Congress.
