Melania Trump delivers 'dystopian' speech to troops sparking meltdown
By Ross Ibbetson
Daily Mail
Nov 19, 2025
First lady Melania Trump speaks about Artificial Intelligence's change to warfare at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Wednesday
Melania Trump has told troops to brace for a brave new world of robots on the battlefield in a speech described by critics as 'dystopian.'
The First Lady was speaking to military personnel and their families at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Wednesday.
Melania said that AI represented the most profound change to warfare since the creation of nuclear weapons and warned that the race for the technology was not one that America could afford to lose.
'Artificial intelligence is propelling America's military into a new era. We are moving from human operators to human overseers - fast,' the First Lady said.
'The shift from soldiers to machines is already underway. Autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, and recon aircraft are here now. Fighter-less jets and autonomous bombers are on the way.'
The unsettling theme sparked a meltdown online, with people complaining that it was unfair to tell troops that they are going to be replaced by robots, particularly in front of their loved ones.
'Is this speech supposed to be dystopian?' one user commented.
Another posted on X, 'Trailer for the new Terminator spin-off.'
A third responded, 'Whattt? She actually told soldiers they are being replaced by robots?'
Melania has positioned herself at the vanguard of her husband's AI drive, notably leading the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in September.
Speaking in Washington, DC, she highlighted the technology's benefits, including driverless taxis, robot-assisted surgeries, and drones.
She also stressed the need to educate the nation's youth to safeguard against its dangers - ideas which were echoed in her New River speech on Wednesday.
'To win the AI war, we must train our next generation, for it's America's students who will lead the Marine Corps in the future,' Melania said.
The First Lady continued, 'Technology is changing the art of war ... AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.
'The most significant change will be speed. Speed in weaponry, decision-making, detection, attack, and defense. Artificial intelligence will take center stage in the theater of war, it already plays a meaningful role on the battlefield.
'Of course, it is the Marine who will always play the most critical role in realizing mission success.'
Many praised Melania for highlighting the importance of the technology.
'This isn't dystopian, it's reality. It's happening now,' one Daily Mail reader commented.
Another responded: 'I would have thought that would have been welcomed news for them. It means their lives would not be in danger, having to be on the front lines.'
A third Mail reader wrote, 'Dystopian… or honesty? I’d prefer to be told the truth than lied to because it feels good to hear.'
The military has already deployed autonomous systems such as the MQ-9 Reaper drone, used for reconnaissance missions, and the unmanned K-MAX helicopter, deployed in Afghanistan to deliver supplies to avoid roadside risks from IEDs.
Melania Trump meets with Marines and their families at the Mega Hangar at the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Wednesday
Second Lady Usha Vance, whose husband is a former Marine, speaks in the Mega Hangar
Melania holds a child during the visit to Marine Corps Air Station New River
The appearance was the first time Melania and Usha have traveled together for a joint visit without their husbands
The Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program is developing low-cost 'loyal wingman' drones to augment the capabilities of manned fighter aircraft. Prototypes from General Atomics and Anduril are slated for deployment in the late 2020s.
A long-range strike bomber, the B-21 Raider, has been designed with advanced AI capabilities so that it can be piloted by just one man, with the potential for full-uncrewed modes in the future.
Melania was joined by Second Lady Usha Vance, whose husband, Vice-President JD Vance, is a former Marine.
The appearance marked the first time Melania and Usha have traveled together for a joint visit without their husbands.
The pair earlier attended Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, also in Jacksonville.
'Thank you for your service. My husband, the President, is sending [his] best regards. We are both thinking of you,' Melania told students at Lejeune High School.
She emphasized that she and the President were thinking of the military, especially during the holidays, and wished the students and teachers a happy Thanksgiving.
The pair later visited the DeLalio Elementary School in New River, where they chatted with students and took part in a spelling class.
Melania told one of the little girls she was 'beautiful.'
Melania highlighted the benefits of AI, including driverless taxis, in her speech on Wednesday
Melania meets with children at DeLalio Elementary School in Jacksonville on Wednesday
Melania's jacket appeared to be designed by Blazé Milano, featuring various pockets of different sizes and tortoise-shell button detailing
It's unclear what Melania and Usha's relationship is like behind the scenes, but they have made some appearances together for various occasions, like Mother's Day
Melania and Usha looked ready to embrace the Fall weather as they arrived at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to visit service members and their families ahead of Thanksgiving
The Second Lady topped off the look with a pair of suede burgundy heels, black Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a pair of statement earrings
Melania, 55, dressed down in a pair of brown leather pants and a matching safari jacket, while Usha, 39, opted for a burgundy-colored turtleneck dress with matching suede heels.
The First Lady's jacket appeared to be designed by Blazé Milano, featuring various pockets of different sizes and tortoise-shell button detailing. It is currently on sale for $950 on Net-a-Porter, but was originally priced at $1,900.
She paired the look with a pair of chestnut-colored, heeled Christian Louboutin booties that included buckle detailing on the front.
Usha, on the other hand, opted for a figure-hugging, long-sleeve turtleneck dress in a warm burgundy color.
The dress, currently for sale at Ralph Lauren for $145, featured a long, draping tie belt at the waist.
The Second Lady completed the look with burgundy suede heels, black Ray-Ban sunglasses and statement earrings.
1 comment:
I didn't know you were doing fashion review Howie.
Melanie is not an airhead by a long, long way. That really bothers a lot of Trump haters. They think she should be some clueless bimbo. She's not.
Post a Comment