In a noteworthy display of commitment to safeguarding children in the digital realm, First Lady Melania Trump addressed participants at a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) workshop titled, “The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families.”
Mrs. Trump stated, “I eagerly await the outcomes from this workshop so that we can continue to refine federal policies aimed at protecting our children. Together, we will develop tools that empower both parents and youth, and we expect tech executives in the private sector to step up to their responsibilities.” She also expressed her gratitude to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson for his leadership on this pressing issue. The complete text of First Lady Melania Trump’s message is provided below.
“I am immensely thankful to the First Lady for her role in the success of the ‘TAKE IT DOWN Act’. Achieving legislative progress is notoriously challenging, and this Act would not have advanced through Congress without her dedicated involvement and guidance,” remarked Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. “Her advocacy was instrumental in pushing this bill over the finish line,” he added.
Mrs. Trump’s message at the FTC workshop underscores her ongoing dedication to fostering collaboration between public and private sectors for the welfare of children and youth. This event follows President Trump’s signing of the “TAKE IT DOWN Act,” which empowers families to request the prompt removal of non-consensual explicit imagery—including AI-generated content. Mrs. Trump was a key advocate for this legislation as part of her BE BEST initiative, which has consistently focused on the well-being and online safety of children.
For more information about the FTC event, click here.
Full Text of First Lady Melania Trump’s Message:
I extend my warm greetings to all gathered at the Federal Trade Commission’s Attention Economy Workshop.
Recently, we celebrated the signing of the “TAKE IT DOWN Act” at the White House as part of my BE BEST initiative, which is dedicated to promoting children’s well-being and safety—particularly in the digital landscape. This new law embodies these values and signifies real advancement. However, our mission is far from over.
I look forward to learning about the insights from this workshop so we can continue to shape federal policies that protect our children. Together, we will create tools that empower both parents and youth, and we will call on tech leaders in the private sector to fulfill their roles.
Like many of you, I have met with survivors and families affected by non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfake abuse. Let their bravery inspire us to seek solutions that shield children and youth from online dangers. My sincere thanks to Chairman Ferguson for his leadership and to all of you for your diligent efforts to ensure a safer future for our children.
###
