First lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Air Station New River, where Trump warned artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine warfare. In her first joint visit with second lady Usha Vance, first lady Melania Trump met with troops and military families, praising the Marine Corps’ 250 years of service while warning that artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine modern warfare and America’s defense.
In her remarks Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Mrs. Trump emphasized AI’s role in her husband’s administration as a pillar of American defense strategy. “Technology is changing the art of war,” Trump said. “Predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.” This statement aligns with the Trump administration’s broader initiatives, including the “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” published in July, which outlines the U.S. strategy in the global AI arms race.
The first lady made her remarks as the Trump administration expands its focus on AI. The president posted to Truth Social earlier this week, saying, “We MUST have one Federal Standard instead of a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.” This aligns with the first lady’s assertion that AI is transforming military operations from soldiers to machines, incorporating autonomous systems like swarming drones and fighter-less jets.
Trump also acknowledged the service and 250-year legacy of the Marine Corps, welcoming two Marines on stage, Sgt. Blake Donoher and Cpl. Daishamari Cannon. She emphasized that AI will take center stage in the theater of war, while noting that “the Marine will always play the most critical role in realizing mission success.” The first lady’s remarks were interspersed with discussions about the impact of AI on national security, including the potential for weaponized drones and advanced reconnaissance systems.
Meanwhile, the visit occurred during national Thanksgiving preparations, with both the first and second ladies visiting classrooms at Camp Lejeune. Students showcased AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, with Trump interacting with young learners, such as hugging a shy student and encouraging them to overcome shyness. The event underscored the administration’s efforts to blend technological advancement with community engagement and educational outreach.
The first lady concluded her remarks by thanking service members and their families, highlighting the gratitude for their service and the importance of unity during the holiday season. “As we give thanks this season, let us remember what unites us — our shared love of country, our faith in one another and our pride in those who serve,” Trump said. The first lady’s office provided Fox News Digital with her prepared remarks, concluding the detailed coverage of her visit and its implications for U.S. defense and AI policy.