Melania Trump Highlights Youth Empowerment and Online Safety with Special Guests at State of the Union Address
Former First Lady Melania Trump has strategically invited two young women, Elliston Berry and Haley Ferguson, to be her special guests at her husband’s address before a joint session of Congress. The invitation underscores her continued commitment to the causes she championed during her time in the White House: combating cyberbullying, promoting youth well-being, and addressing the harmful impact of online exploitation.
Elliston Berry, a young woman from Aledo, Texas, embodies the urgent need to address the proliferation of AI-generated, sexually explicit deepfakes. Her experience as a victim of this technology has transformed her into an advocate for stronger online protections for young people. Haley Ferguson, hailing from Spring Hill, Tennessee, represents the promise of opportunity for former foster children. As a recipient of the Fostering the Future scholarship, an initiative launched by Trump during her first tenure as First Lady, Ferguson’s story speaks to the power of education and support in empowering vulnerable youth.
Berry’s presence alongside Melania Trump on Capitol Hill on Monday marked a significant moment. The former First Lady used the occasion to publicly address the issue of non-consensual, sexually explicit images, a problem that disproportionately affects young people. Berry courageously shared her personal story during the event, recounting the devastating impact of having a deepfake image of her circulated online when she was just 14 years old.
“Fear, shock and disgust were just some of the many emotions I felt," Berry stated, emphasizing the profound emotional toll of the experience. “I felt responsible and began to blame myself and was ashamed to tell my parents, despite doing nothing wrong.” Her testimony highlighted the sense of isolation and shame that victims often experience, underscoring the importance of creating a supportive environment where young people feel safe to report such incidents.
Berry’s experience further revealed the challenges in seeking recourse when faced with online exploitation. When she reported the deepfake image to her school, she was told that the matter was beyond their control. This lack of institutional support underscores the need for clearer policies and procedures to address online abuse and protect young people from its harmful effects.
It was only through the intervention of Sen. Ted Cruz’s office, who reached out to Snapchat, that the image was eventually removed. This underscores the importance of collaboration between government officials, social media platforms, and law enforcement in addressing online exploitation.
Berry and Trump’s joint advocacy efforts have focused on supporting the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan bill that was unanimously passed by the Senate in February. The bill, introduced by Cruz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, aims to criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated deepfakes. A crucial component of the legislation requires technology platforms to remove reported content within 48 hours of receiving a valid request, ensuring a swift response to online abuse.
Trump has lauded Berry for her bravery in sharing her story and advocating for change. She has expressed deep concern over the challenges faced by young people, particularly girls, who are grappling with the harmful effects of malicious online content.
“It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes,” Trump stated. “This toxic environment can be severely damaging. Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themselves freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm.”
Haley Ferguson, the other guest, is a testament to the transformative power of education and support for former foster children. As a senior at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in elementary education, Ferguson is a living example of the potential that can be unlocked when young people are given the opportunity to succeed. She is a recipient of the Fostering the Future scholarship, a key initiative launched by Trump as part of her “Be Best” campaign.
The Fostering the Future scholarship aims to provide financial assistance and support to former foster youth, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. The mission of the scholarship is to prepare recipients “to enter the workforce and ultimately reach financial independence.” By investing in the education and well-being of former foster children, the scholarship helps to break the cycle of poverty and empower these young people to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
Trump’s decision to invite Berry and Ferguson to the State of the Union address is a powerful statement about her continued commitment to advocating for young people and addressing the issues that affect their lives. By highlighting their stories, she seeks to raise awareness about the challenges they face and inspire action to create a safer and more supportive environment for all young people.
The presence of these two young women at such a prominent event serves as a reminder that behind the policy debates and political rhetoric, there are real people whose lives are directly impacted by the decisions made in Washington. By giving them a platform to share their experiences, Trump is amplifying their voices and ensuring that their stories are heard by policymakers and the public alike. It underscores a commitment to fostering a future where young people are empowered to thrive, free from the dangers of online exploitation and with the support they need to achieve their full potential. The former First Lady’s dedication to these issues extends beyond her time in the White House, signaling a continuing advocacy role in the years to come.
