Melania Trump breaks political protocol during major White House event
In a historic moment at the White House Rose Garden, First Lady Melania Trump broke protocol by joining President Donald Trump in signing the Take It Down Act into law on May 19. The groundbreaking legislation criminalizes non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including AI-generated “deepfakes,” and requires platforms to remove such content within 48 hours. Melania, who championed the bill, called it a “national victory” protecting children from digital exploitation, comparing social media and AI to “digital candy” that can be dangerously weaponized.
President Trump praised his wife’s efforts, encouraging her unprecedented ceremonial signing despite her non-elected status. The law represents an extension of Melania’s “Be Best” initiative focusing on children’s wellbeing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the First Lady’s key role in advancing the legislation through meetings with lawmakers and advocates. The bipartisan measure addresses growing concerns about technology-facilitated sexual harassment and image-based abuse.
