Washington, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump took to Capitol Hill on March 3, 2025, to advocate for the "Take It Down Act," her first solo public appearance since her husband, President Donald Trump, took office for a second term. This bipartisan legislation, championed by Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, seeks to protect individuals from the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, often termed as "revenge porn," and includes provisions against deepfake pornography.
The roundtable discussion aimed to raise awareness about the severe impacts of non-consensual intimate imagery and encourage decisive action from lawmakers. "I urge Congress to pass this important legislation to safeguard our youth," Melania Trump stated on X, the social media platform.
At the heart of the Take It Down Act is its commitment to criminalizing the publication of any intimate image without consent, including those manipulated or created through artificial intelligence. If signed, the bill mandates social media platforms to respond within 48 hours to reports of such content from victims, ensuring swift removal.
Melania Trump emphasized the necessity of the legislation, noting, "I expected to see more Democrat leaders here with us today to address this serious issue. Surely as adults we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics." Currently, 11 of the bill's 21 co-sponsors are Democrats, indicating bipartisan support.
Alongside the First Lady at the Capitol’s Mansfield Room were various legislators and online safety advocates, including survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery. Among them was Ellison Berry, who shared her traumatic experience of having her likeness used for AI-generated pornographic images at just 14 years old. "I was 14 years old when I was violated all over social media, and I was just 14 years old when my innocence was stripped away," she reported, emphasizing the long-term impact such acts of abuse have on young victims.
Senator Cruz, who helped to introduce the legislation, pointed to personal stories like Berry’s to highlight the urgent need for laws to protect individuals against such violations. "No one should have to experience the pain, humiliation, and trauma..." Cruz stated, advocating for the bill's swift passage.
The Take It Down Act was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier this month, gaining momentum as it prepares for debate and vote within the Republican-controlled House. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the importance of the bill during the roundtable, stating, "The law has to keep up, and I’m really grateful..." He expressed optimism about getting the bill on the floor soon, hoping to deliver it to President Trump's desk.
The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated, especially as deepfake technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible. Experts have noted the troubling rise of such content, which has affected numerous victims across the country, from celebrities to everyday individuals.
The National Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has vocally supported the Take It Down Act, submitting to Congress the demand for expedited passage to help protect victims from the irreversible harm caused by non-consensual intimate imagery. Their letter to lawmakers references the plight of both public figures and private individuals, claiming, "Currently, no federal law requires online platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images upon request," underscoring the legal gap this act aims to bridge.
Historically, the First Lady has been involved with various initiatives aimed at online safety, such as her earlier "Be Best" campaign, which focused on fostering the well-being of children and addressing issues like cyberbullying. Melania Trump’s renewed focus on online safety through the Take It Down Act aligns with her past advocacy and marks her commitment to enacting real change.
The Take It Down Act addresses both the legal oversight required to handle intimate imagery and highlights the moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from the devastation of non-consensual sharing. The House is expected to take up the measure soon, and if passed, it could set significant legal precedent, changing how digital safety is understood and enforced.
Melania Trump’s appearance and advocacy signify more than support for just one piece of legislation; they symbolize the need for societal awareness of the pervasive issue of online exploitation. With her voice joined by lawmakers and advocates, the discussions at Capitol Hill continue to capture the urgency and importance of safeguarding individuals from the dark side of technology.