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Melania storms back into the limelight, witch chique and ambition

Melania Trump is stepping into a new role as First Lady, independent and confident, while her husband, President Donald Trump, dominates global headlines. On Monday, she made a powerful appearance at the U.S. Capitol, advocating for online safety laws.

Fighting for Victims of Online Exploitation

The discussion centered on a proposed law targeting the spread of non-consensual intimate images, both real and AI-generated. If passed, it would make such actions a federal crime. Melania, dressed in a classic three-piece suit, took the issue seriously.

First lady Melania Trump arrives at the Capitol in Washington, to lend her support to an online safety bill, Monday, March 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

She condemned the rise of revenge pornography and deepfake images, calling it “heartbreaking” to see teenagers, especially young girls, suffer. She urged Congress to prioritize youth protection, stating, “This toxic environment causes serious harm. We must provide the support and tools needed to navigate this hostile digital landscape.”

A Push for the ‘Take It Down Act’

Sitting alongside victims like Elliston Berry—who became the target of AI-generated intimate images—Melania emphasized the need for stronger protections. “Every young person deserves a safe online space, free from exploitation and harm,” she declared.

Melania’s backing could be crucial in pushing the “Take It Down Act” through the Republican-controlled House, eventually landing on President Trump’s desk for approval.

Bipartisan Effort for Online Safety

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA), are leading the initiative. The bill was inspired by Berry’s case, where Snapchat allegedly ignored requests for nearly a year to remove a deepfake image of her at just 14 years old.

If passed, social media platforms would be required to remove such content within 48 hours of a victim’s request and prevent duplicates from resurfacing.

With Melania Trump championing the cause, the fight against digital exploitation is gaining momentum. Will this bill become law? The pressure is on Congress to act.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.

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