First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Air Station New River as part of their first joint event with troops and military families, where Trump warned about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to redefine warfare. The first lady emphasized that AI would revolutionize the battlefield and surpass the impact of nuclear weapons, framing it as a cornerstone of America’s defense strategy under the Trump administration. She highlighted the shift from human-operated military units to advanced, autonomous systems, including autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, and upcoming fighter-less jets and bombers. This aligns with the president’s broader initiative, the ‘Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,’ and his push for a unified federal regulatory framework for AI.
During the visit, Trump praised the Marine Corps’ 250-year legacy of service and acknowledged the critical role of service members and their families. She also took part in classroom activities at Camp Lejeune, where students showcased AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, reflecting the administration’s focus on integrating AI into education. The first lady’s visit coincided with Thanksgiving preparations, adding a festive element to the event. Her remarks emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and pride in the military, while acknowledging the technological advancements reshaping both national security and education sectors.