Melania Trump Enters the Age of Artificial Intelligence

It remains uncertain how Melania’s initiative will align with her objectives of safeguarding children against the dangers of AI and preparing them for a workforce influenced by this technology. Nevertheless, an industry insider suggests that the first lady’s participation is likely to spur “major commitments from many of these companies” beyond the substantial investment figures they’ve already offered to the Trump administration.

The first lady is just beginning her new role as a spokesperson in a Trumpworld AI initiative that has been active since the new administration took office.

David Sacks is leading as the administration’s appointed AI advisor and crypto czar, with Michael Kratsios from Thiel Capital overseeing the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Numerous executive orders have addressed federal AI policy, ranging from mandates for agencies to eliminate regulations to the less defined goal of thwarting “woke AI” within the federal government. Additionally, the administration has unveiled an AI action plan that details policy measures focused on three key areas: fostering innovation by dismantling regulatory obstacles, establishing a framework for AI supremacy through data centers and semiconductor production, and promoting global AI standards to lessen reliance on foreign—namely Chinese—technology.

Melania’s Seat at the Table

The White House has yet to respond to inquiries from WIRED regarding the specifics of the first lady’s AI education initiative, the potential downsides she identifies with the technology beyond deepfakes, and whether the US should emphasize supporting more environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Beckman also did not respond to a request for comment.

According to a source who attended the AI dinner, the first lady appeared comfortable with the tech executives, even if she wasn’t very social. Notably, this source observed Melania listening intently to Gerelyn Gilbert-Soto, the partner of Google cofounder Sergey Brin, who was present as well.

“Melania was clearly focused when [Gilbert-Soto] was speaking,” the source recounts, adding that the first lady was “smiling and much more engaged than when the other tech CEOs were extolling Trump.” Gilbert-Soto did not respond to a comment request sent to Google representatives.

For the AI sector, the first lady’s return to public life in support of their products is greatly welcomed.

In that setting, there were “some of the most influential business leaders globally who represent a significant portion of the public market capitalization of technology and innovation,” the source from the AI industry in Trumpworld notes.

“And here you have the first lady sitting right next to the president, saying, ‘I want to be part of this,’” the executive continues. “She really hasn’t participated in much … So for her to step forward and engage, I think it’s quite important.”

This is an edition of Jake Lahut’s Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.