Melania Trump Urges Leaders to Prepare Children for AI, Saying 'The Robots Are Here'

First lady Melania Trump on Tuesday urged public and private leaders to help protect and prepare American children for a rapidly advancing era of artificial intelligence, saying during a White House meeting that “the robots are here.”

Speaking at a convening of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, the first lady framed the push as both an opportunity and a responsibility, citing developments in autonomous vehicles, surgical robotics and drone technology as evidence that AI is reshaping daily life.

“We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare children in America,” Melania Trump said, adding that innovations in humanoid robots, factory automation and self-driving systems have accelerated thanks to private-sector investment. “Every one of these advancements, it’s powered by AI. The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction.”

The event brought together federal officials and private-sector executives, including White House Office of Science and Technology Director Michael Kratsios, former tech investor David Sacks, Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai and IBM Chief Executive Arvind Krishna. OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman was reported to be in the audience. Education Secretary Linda McMahon also attended; she earlier drew attention for pronouncing “AI” as “A1.”

Melania Trump called for coordinated action to equip children with skills to navigate and thrive alongside AI while seeking to shield them from potential harms. She asked leaders in government, industry and education to expand curricula, develop safety measures and support parents as new technologies become more integrated into homes and schools.

Her remarks come amid broader debates over how to regulate and educate around AI. Companies and policymakers have responded in varied ways: some technology firms have launched tools such as parental controls for consumer AI platforms, while others have called for voluntary guardrails and increased funding for STEM education. The emergence of more capable AI systems has prompted concerns about student data privacy, misinformation and the role of automation in the labor market.

At the meeting, officials emphasized the need for measured approaches that balance innovation with safety and equity. The task force has said it will work on recommendations to guide educational programs and partnerships between schools and technology providers. The first lady’s comments signal an administration interest in placing AI education and child protections on the national agenda as advances in machine learning continue to accelerate.