Washington, D.C.,September 5 (HS): In a rare public appearance at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump sounded a stark warning on the rise of artificial intelligence, declaring that “the robots are here” and urging the nation to prepare its children for an era defined by rapid technological change.

Speaking before cabinet officials, policy experts, and tech leaders from firms like IBM and Google, Mrs. Trump described AI as no longer a vision of science fiction, but a reality requiring both empowerment and vigilance: “It is our duty to treat AI as we would our children — with guidance and responsibility.”

Since returning to the White House in January alongside President Donald Trump, the Slovenian-born former model has carved out a sharper, more policy-driven role than in her husband’s first term. While historically first ladies often gravitated toward education and child welfare from a maternal perspective, Mrs. Trump has steered the conversation toward the business, technological, and legislative dimensions.

Her influence is already visible. Earlier this year, she co-signed into law the Take It Down Act, landmark bipartisan legislation criminalizing the distribution of intimate or AI-generated images without consent — a first in U.S. history for a First Lady. Analysts have noted her critical role in securing cross-party support, framing the law as a strike against tech platforms that fail to curb harmful content.

Observers see a marked evolution in her second tenure. No longer an elusive figure occasionally sparking headlines of “Where is Melania?”, Mrs. Trump now appears more strategic and selective, focusing on urgent issues where she possesses deep interest. Her August open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin — urging cooperation to safeguard children worldwide — reverberated internationally, drawing responses from Ukrainian and Turkish first ladies.

Experts say her comparatively low visibility masks an expanding influence. “She can now leverage her platform with substance,” said Anita McBride, director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University. “She is emerging as a serious player in shaping both education and legislation.”

As her husband's second administration moves forward, Mrs. Trump appears determined to script her role on her own terms — less frequent in appearances, but deeply engaged on issues of global consequence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar