First Lady Melania Trump stood alongside President Donald J. Trump in the picturesque White House Rose Garden to commemorate the signing of S.146, the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act. This landmark bipartisan legislation aims to safeguard children and families from the perils of online exploitation, particularly the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and the misuse of deepfake technology.
This bill, a cornerstone of the First Lady’s BE BEST initiative, successfully navigated Congress within the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration, marking an early legislative victory for the nation as a whole.
First Lady Melania Trump stated, “Through the ‘TAKE IT DOWN’ Act, we reaffirm that the well-being of our children is paramount to the future of our families and America. I am proud to say the principles of BE BEST will now be enshrined in law.”
President Trump expressed his gratitude towards First Lady Melania Trump for her pivotal role in advancing the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, remarking, “I want to thank Melania for your leadership on this critically important issue. America is fortunate to have such a devoted and compassionate First Lady.” He concluded by emphasizing, “Together, we’ve demonstrated that bipartisanship is still achievable.”
In March 2025, Mrs. Trump organized a roundtable on Capitol Hill, uniting survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery with families, advocates for online safety, and Members of Congress to elevate awareness around this pressing issue. The President underscored the significance of the bill in his Address to a Joint Session of Congress the following evening. Throughout the legislative process, Mrs. Trump and her office actively engaged lawmakers, from deliberations in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to the bill’s final passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Today’s signing ceremony gathered survivors, their families, Members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and advocates who played a vital role in the enactment of this pivotal legislation.
Full Remarks by First Lady Melania Trump
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good afternoon.
It is a privilege to be here today for the signing of the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act—a triumph for families aiming to shield children from online threats.
This legislation marks a significant advancement in our mission to ensure that every American—particularly our youth—can feel more secure against the misuse of their images or identities through non-consensual intimate imagery, commonly referred to as NCII.
Artificial Intelligence and social media have become the digital sweets of the modern era—deliciously enticing yet inherently addictive, crafted to influence the cognitive development of our children. However, unlike mere sugar, these technologies can be manipulated to inflict harm, shape perceptions, and, tragically, even endanger lives.
Throughout recent months, I have had the honor of meeting courageous survivors, loving families, and passionate advocates who intimately understand the emotional and psychological damage associated with NCII and deepfake abuse.
Elliston Berry bravely advocated for change—risking her safety and that of her family by raising her voice. Elliston, your courage—and the courage of countless others—has propelled this bill to national prominence.
I extend my gratitude to Members of Congress from both political parties for their support in passing this legislation, including Speaker Johnson, Senator Cruz, Senator Klobuchar, Congresswoman Salazar, Congresswoman Dean, and Congressman Guthrie. Thank you all for prioritizing people over politics.
As First Lady, my BE BEST initiative is dedicated to enhancing children’s welfare, promoting kindness, and fostering a safer online landscape for our youth. Today, I take pride in saying that the values of BE BEST are now part of our legal framework.
I also want to express my appreciation to my husband, President Trump, for his unwavering support in this endeavor. His signature on this law signifies a beginning, not an end. We now call upon the Federal Trade Commission and the private sector to fulfill their responsibilities as well.
Through the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, we collectively affirm that the well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and our nation. It is now my pleasure to introduce the President. Thank you.
