Melania Trump warns AI will ‘alter war’ profoundly in speech to Marine Corps
First lady Melania Trump speaks at the Mega Hangar at the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, N.C. AP
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — First Lady Melania Trump delivered a stark warning about the future of warfare on Wednesday, telling Marines and their families that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the battlefield — and that the United States must be prepared.
“AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons,” she said, emphasizing speed as the defining factor in future conflicts as weaponry, detection, and decision-making increasingly move toward automation. “Artificial Intelligence will take center stage in the theater of war.”
The first lady has prioritized introducing AI in schools. In August, she announced the “Presidential AI Challenge,” which encourages students and educators to develop AI-driven solutions for community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency.
Her remarks echoed President Trump’s focus on AI’s growing importance. In July, he unveiled the “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” reiterating his commitment to keeping the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence development. During her speech, Melania Trump highlighted the military’s rapid adoption of AI, noting a shift from troops directly operating systems to supervising increasingly autonomous ones.
“We are moving from human operators to human overseers fast,” she said, pointing to autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, reconnaissance aircraft, and the next generation of pilotless jets and bombers.
Earlier in the day at Lejeune High School, the first lady saw how students are preparing for this technological future. She praised the school’s “ecosystem” of teachers, parents, and students for participating in the Presidential AI Challenge, noting that their creativity and technical skills “is poised to drive innovation for America.”
Her remarks followed an introduction from Second Lady Usha Vance, who shared that her husband, Vice President JD Vance, had served nearby at Marine Corps Station Cherry Point.
“He’s told me so many stories about his time in eastern North Carolina that this feels like home,” she said.
The second lady also highlighted her work supporting children and families, including new online protections for kids and an executive order aimed at easing the transition for foster youth into adulthood.
The visit coincided with the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, and both women praised the Marines’ “two and a half centuries of courage, tradition, and excellence.”
As the holidays approach, the first lady offered a message to families with deployed loved ones.
“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you, and deeply grateful for your service,” she said. “To every military spouse and child — you serve our country too. Happy Thanksgiving.”
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