First Lady Melania Trump made a rare solo appearance on Capitol Hill on March 3, 2025, to advocate for the “Take It Down Act,” a bipartisan bill targeting revenge pornography and deepfake imagery.
The legislation aims to criminalize the non-consensual sharing of explicit images, including those generated by artificial intelligence, and mandates the swift removal of such content from online platforms.
Standing alongside lawmakers and victims, Mrs. Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing malicious online content affecting teenagers, especially girls. She described the digital environment as “toxic” and highlighted the necessity of providing young people with tools to navigate this hostile landscape.
The “Take It Down Act,” introduced by Senator Ted Cruz and co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar, requires websites hosting user-generated content to implement procedures for removing non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours of a victim’s notification. Perpetrators could face up to three years in prison if the material involves a minor and two years if the victim is an adult.
Senator Cruz, speaking at the roundtable event, stressed the devastating impact of revenge porn and deepfake imagery on victims, many of whom are teenagers. He recounted the experience of Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old victim seated beside Mrs. Trump, who struggled to remove deepfake images of herself from the internet.
Mrs. Trump’s advocacy aligns with her “Be Best” initiative, which focuses on youth well-being and online safety. Her involvement underscores the importance of bipartisan efforts to protect individuals from digital exploitation in an era where technology can be weaponized against personal privacy.
The “Take It Down Act” has already passed the Senate unanimously and is expected to proceed through the House. House leaders have expressed readiness to pass the bill, reflecting broad support across party lines.
Mrs. Trump’s appearance on Capitol Hill marks a significant moment in her tenure as First Lady. It highlights her commitment to combating online abuse and advocating for legislative measures to protect vulnerable individuals from digital exploitation.