Office of the First Lady

# First Lady Melania Trump Joins President Trump for Signing of the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act

The White House
May 19, 2025

First Lady Melania Trump joined President Donald J. Trump in the White House Rose Garden for the signing of S.146, the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, a historic and bipartisan new law focused on protecting children and families from online extortion and exploitation through the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and deepfake abuse.

The bill, a priority of the First Lady’s BE BEST initiative, passed Congress in the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration, marking a significant early legislative achievement for all Americans.

First Lady Melania Trump said, “Today, through the ‘TAKE IT DOWN’ Act, we affirm that the well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and America. I am proud to say that the values of BE BEST will be reflected in the law of the land.”

In his remarks, President Trump commended First Lady Melania Trump for her work to help pass the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, saying, “I want to thank Melania for your leadership on this very important issue. America is blessed to have such a dedicated and compassionate First Lady.” The President ended his remarks by saying, “working with our First Lady, we’ve shown that bipartisanship is still possible.”

In March 2025, Mrs. Trump convened a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill, bringing together survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery, families, advocates for online protection, and Members of Congress to raise awareness about the issue. The President emphasized the importance of the bill in his Address to a Joint Session of Congress the next evening. Mrs. Trump and the Office of the First Lady continued to engage lawmakers during key stages of the legislative process, including consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee and final passage on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today’s signing ceremony brought together survivors and their families, Members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and advocates who contributed to the passage of this landmark legislation.

Full Remarks by First Lady Melania Trump
(As Prepared for Delivery)

Good afternoon.

It’s an honor to join you here today for the signing of the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act—a national victory that will help parents and families protect children from online exploitation.

This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American—especially our young people—can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused through non-consensual intimate imagery or NCII.

Artificial Intelligence and social media are the digital candy of the next generation—sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children. But unlike sugar, these new technologies can be weaponized, shape beliefs, and sadly, affect emotions and even be deadly.

Over the past few months, I have met with brave survivors, deeply-loving families, and caring advocates who know firsthand the emotional and psychological toll of NCII and deepfake abuse.

Elliston Berry stood boldly for change—despite the risks posed to her and her family by speaking out and making her voice heard. Elliston, your voice—and the voices of so many like you—made this bill a national priority.

Many thanks to Members of Congress from both parties for passing this legislation, including Speaker Johnson, Senator Cruz, Senator Klobuchar, Congresswoman Salazar, Congresswoman Dean, and Congressman Guthrie. Thank you all for coming together to prioritize people over politics.

As First Lady, my BE BEST initiative is focused on improving children’s well-being, encouraging kindness, and creating a safer online environment for our youth. Today, I am proud to say that the values of BE BEST will be reflected in the law of the land.

I want to thank my husband, President Trump, for standing with us in this effort. His signature on this new law is not where our work ends on this issue. Now, we look to the Federal Trade Commission and the private sector to do their part.

Today, through the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, we affirm that the well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and America. Now it is my pleasure to introduce the President. Thank you.

## Related

- #### Readout from First Lady Melania Trump’s Roundtable Discussion on Online Protection and the Take It Down Act

  Briefings & Statements
  March 3, 2025

- #### First Lady Melania Trump Applauds the Passage of the ‘Take It Down Act’ to Protect Children

  Briefings & Statements
  April 28, 2025

- #### First Lady Melania Trump Celebrates Committee Passage of Take It Down Act in House Energy & Commerce

  Briefings & Statements
  April 9, 2025

- #### First Lady Melania Trump’s Message to Federal Trade Commission Underscores Commitment to Child Protection Online

  Briefings & Statements
  June 4, 2025

- #### ICYMI: President Trump Signs TAKE IT DOWN Act into Law

  Articles
  May 19, 2025

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