During a recent visit to Marine Corps Air Station New River, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance met with troops and military families, emphasizing the importance of the Marine Corps’ 250-year service while warning about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on warfare. In her remarks, Trump stressed that AI is central to the Trump administration’s defense strategy, predicting it will change the art of war more significantly than any technology since nuclear weapons.
Trump’s comments reflect the administration’s growing emphasis on AI, particularly as the president has pushed for a unified federal standard for AI regulation. The first lady’s visit coincided with the release of the administration’s Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan, which outlines the nation’s strategy for leading in AI development and military applications.
During the event, Trump acknowledged the Marine Corps’ legacy and welcomed two Marines, Sgt. Blake Donoher and Cpl. Daishamari Cannon, on stage. She noted that AI is driving a shift from human operators to machine-driven military operations, with autonomous drones and aircraft playing a growing role in modern warfare. Trump also emphasized that while technology shapes the battlefield, the Marines remain the critical force behind mission success.
The visit included interactions with students at Camp Lejeune, where they showcased AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge. Trump’s engagement with young learners highlighted the administration’s focus on integrating AI into education and national security, while also celebrating the service and sacrifice of military families.
The first lady’s remarks underlined the administration’s commitment to leveraging AI for defense, with the president calling for a unified federal approach to AI regulation. This push aligns with broader efforts to secure American leadership in technology and national security, with the administration highlighting the potential of AI to reshape both warfare and the future of military operations.