First lady Melania Trump cautioned about the future of artificial intelligence during remarks to Marines at Marine Corps Air Station New River Wednesday, Nov. 19. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
President Trump’s AI push aligns with his broader “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” published in July.
The first lady acknowledged the service and 250-year legacy of the Marine Corps, including two Marines she welcomed on stage, Sgt. Blake Donoher and Cpl. Daishamari Cannon.
Trump said the “most significant change will be speed” when it comes to AI, adding that “artificial intelligence will take center stage in the theater of war … but, of course, it is the Marine who will always play the most critical role in realizing mission success.”
First lady Melania Trump embraces a student during a visit at DeLalio Elementary School on Marine Corps Air Station New River Wednesday, Nov. 19. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The first lady noted that AI is taking America’s military “from soldiers to machines.”
“Artificial intelligence is propelling America’s military into a new era,” Trump said. “We are moving from human operators to human overseers — fast. The shift from soldiers to machines is already underway: Autonomous helicopters, swarming drones and recon aircraft are here now. Fighter-less jets and autonomous bombers are on the way.”
The first lady was introduced by second lady and Marine Corps spouse Usha Vance, who greeted the Marines by relaying a “happy birthday” message from Vice President JD Vance. The Marine Corps birthday is Nov. 10.
First lady Melania Trump played a game of “Heads Up” with students during a visit to Camp Lejeune Wednesday, Nov. 19. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The event coincided with national Thanksgiving preparations, and both the first and second ladies visited classrooms at Camp Lejeune.
Students showcased AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge during the visit. Trump hugged a shy student in a moment caught on camera in a first grade class, where students read aloud and joined in a lively game of Heads Up!, wearing a matching note card on her head.
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“Don’t be shy,” the first lady said before embracing a boy who seemed nervous to meet her.
The first lady concluded her remarks with thanks to service members and their families.
“To every service member — thank you for standing watch so others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child — thank you for your strength and love,” Trump said. “You serve our country, too.
Melania Trump greets military families at Marine Corps Air Station New River Wednesday, Nov. 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 one another and our pride in those who serve.”
The first lady’s office referred Fox News Digital to her prepared remarks.
Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey contributed to this report.
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