Melania Trump predicts AI will 'alter war' more deeply than any technology since nuclear weapons

JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: First lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance dropped by the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Caroline, on Wednesday, November 19.

During her speech to the Marines, the first lady discussed the rising presence of technology in the country’s defence forces and predicted that “AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.” 

Melania Trump emphasizes importance of training young minds in AI

During her speech, Melania Trump highlighted how far the country had already come in incorporating the presence of AI in the country's defence mechanisms, before adding, “Artificial intelligence will take center stage in the theater of war.”

She noted that the most significant change while replacing humans with AI will be speed in terms of “weaponry, decision making, detection, attack, and defence.”

Melania also mentioned how AI was already present in their forces, notably the shift from human operators to human “overseers,” autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, and reconnaissance aircraft.

The first lady further said that America will see the use of pilotless jets and bombers in the future and emphasized the importance of training the next generation in AI. “Of course, it is the Marine who will always play the most critical role in realizing mission success,” she asserted.

Melania praised Lejeune High School for embracing the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge and for showcasing creativity and technological vision for the future. She also commended the institution’s commitment to the country, calling it “inspiring.”

Usha Vance relays JD Vance's message to the Marines

Second lady Usha Vance took the stage at the Marine Corps Air Station New River before Melania. She said that it was an honor to be at Camp Lejeune, "home of some of the finest Marines and military families of America.

She added that being there felt like home since JD Vance had told her many stories from when he was posted at Cherry Point, and revealed that she had a message from her husband.

“Happy birthday,” she said.

Usha added that “250 years” looked good on them, and said they were grateful for their service and for carrying out the Corps’s traditions of “duty, honor, and service.” She told the crowd that she had the “privilege” of spending time with their families and said it was “heartening” to see thriving schools and engaged students.

Emphasizing her work to decrease disengagement and literacy rates, the second lady called military families a “shining example.”