First Lady Warns AI Will Redefine Warfare During Marine Corps Visit

During her first joint visit with Second Lady Usha Vance, First Lady Melania Trump met with soldiers and military families, saluting the Marine Corps’ 250 years of service while warning that artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine modern warfare and American defense.

In her remarks Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Ms. Trump highlighted AI’s role in her husband’s administration as a pillar of U.S. defense strategy.

“Technology is changing the art of war,” Trump said. “As expected, AI will change warfare more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.”

The first lady made the remarks as the Trump administration expands its focus on AI. The president posted on Truth Social earlier this week, saying, “We MUST have one federal standard instead of a patchwork of 50 state regulatory regimes.” »

FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP AND USHA VANCE VISIT TROOPS’ FAMILIES IN FIRST JOINT VISIT

First lady Melania Trump warned of the future of artificial intelligence during her speech to Marines at Marine Corps Air Station New River on Wednesday, November 19. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

President Trump’s AI efforts align with his broader document, “Winning the Race to AI: America’s AI Action Plan,” released in July.

The first lady recognized the 250-year service and legacy of the Marine Corps, including two Marines she welcomed to the stage, Sgt. Blake Donoher and Cpl. Canon Daishamari.

Trump said “the most significant change will be speed” in AI, adding that “artificial intelligence will take center stage in the theater of war… but, of course, it is the Navy that will still play the most critical role in mission success.”

GOOGLE CEO, TOP TECH LEADERS JOIN FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP AT WHITE HOUSE AI MEETING

First lady Melania Trump hugs a student during a visit to DeLalio Elementary School on Marine Corps Air Station New River, Wednesday, November 19. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The First Lady noted that AI is transforming the US military “from soldiers to machines.”

“Artificial intelligence is propelling the U.S. military into a new era,” Trump said. “We are rapidly moving from human operators to human overseers. The shift from soldiers to machines is already underway: autonomous helicopters, swarm drones, and reconnaissance planes are here now. Planes without fighters and autonomous bombers are on the way.”

The first lady was introduced by Second Lady and Marine Corps Wife Usha Vance, who welcomed the Marines by relaying a “Happy Birthday” message from Vice President JD Vance. The Marine Corps’ birthday is November 10.

MELANIA TRUMP “PEACE LETTER” TO PUTIN SALUTED BY USHA VANCE, WHO CALLS HER A “PIONEER”

First lady Melania Trump played a game of “Heads Up” with students during a visit to Camp Lejeune on Wednesday (Nov. 19). (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The event coincided with national Thanksgiving preparations, and the first and second ladies visited classrooms at Camp Lejeune.

Students presented AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge during the visit. Trump hugged a shy student in a moment filmed in a first-grade classroom, where students read aloud and participated in a lively game of Heads Up!, wearing a matching note card on their heads.

“Don’t be shy,” the first lady said before kissing a boy who seemed nervous about meeting her.

The first lady concluded her speech by thanking the military and their families.

“To every service member, thank you for making sure others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child, thank you for your strength and love,” Trump said. “You too serve our country.

Melania Trump greets military families at Marine Corps Air Station New River on Wednesday, November 19. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“As we give thanks this season, let us remember what unites us: our shared love of country, our faith in each other, and our pride in those who serve.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The first lady’s office referred Fox News Digital to its prepared remarks.

Emma Bussey of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.