During her visit to Marine Corps Air Station New River, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance engaged with troops and military families, spotlighting the evolving landscape of military technology. In a speech delivered at the base, Trump emphasized AI’s pivotal role in the U.S. defense strategy, asserting that its impact on warfare would surpass that of nuclear weapons. This declaration came as the Trump administration continues to prioritize AI development, with President Trump advocating for federal regulatory standards to unify the nation’s approach to AI innovation.
Trump’s remarks were part of a broader narrative of the administration’s AI initiatives, including the release of the ‘Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan’ in July. The first lady underscored the shift from human-centric military operations to autonomous technologies, citing examples such as autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, and the potential deployment of fighter-less jets and autonomous bombers. These advancements, she noted, are already reshaping the battlefield by increasing the speed and scale of military operations, with AI serving as the central nervous system of modern warfare.
Her comments were met with the backdrop of Thanksgiving preparations, with the visit to Camp Lejeune’s classrooms showcasing the integration of AI projects in education through the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge. This initiative aimed to foster a new generation of AI literacy, with students engaging in hands-on activities that emphasized technological innovation. Notably, Trump’s interaction with a shy first-grader, where she encouraged him to overcome his shyness, highlighted the administration’s focus on both military advancement and educational outreach.
Trump’s remarks also emphasized the critical role of military families, acknowledging their sacrifices and the importance of their support in maintaining national security. ‘To every service member — thank you for standing watch so others can celebrate in peace,’ she said, reflecting on the broader themes of unity and shared responsibility in national defense. The visit, which included a birthday greeting from Vice President JD Vance, coincided with the Marine Corps’ official birthday on November 10, reinforcing the celebration of military service during a time of national reflection.