Melania Trump Scores Massive Victory!
In a commanding show of bipartisan unity, the House of Representatives voted 409–2 on Monday to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill targeting the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images—including those created using artificial intelligence. The legislation, a cornerstone of First Lady Melania Trump’s Be Best initiative, now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval.
The sweeping measure marks a critical victory in the fight to protect children, teens, and women from the rising threat of digital exploitation. It comes amid growing concern over deepfake pornography and online abuse, and delivers on Melania Trump’s long-standing commitment to online safety and child advocacy.
“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Take It Down Act is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children,” the First Lady said in a statement. “I am thankful to the Members of Congress — both in the House and Senate — who voted to protect the well-being of our youth.”
“Through this critical legislation and our continued focus with ‘Be Best,’ we are building a future where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential,” she added.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill earlier this year, reflecting rare cross-aisle consensus on the dangers of AI-generated explicit content and digital blackmail. The final House vote cements the legislation as one of the most significant bipartisan actions of the new Congress.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the bill’s primary sponsor, invoked chilling real-world examples while advocating for the bill’s passage. He referenced Elliston Berry, a teenage girl who became the victim of deepfake pornography that was designed to look like her.
“It protects young girls and young women, and it’s a huge bipartisan victory that we’re winning tonight,” Cruz told ABC News on Monday.
Under the TAKE IT DOWN Act, it becomes a federal crime to knowingly distribute—or threaten to distribute—intimate visual depictions of an identifiable person without their consent. This includes both real photographs and AI-generated “digital forgeries,” which have become increasingly sophisticated and harmful.
The law distinguishes between adult and minor victims. Perpetrators face up to two years in prison for offenses against adults, and up to three years for targeting minors.
Beyond criminal penalties, the legislation introduces new obligations for online platforms hosting user-generated content. These companies must establish a formal process allowing victims to report and request removal of intimate material. If platforms fail to respond to legitimate removal requests within 48 hours, they risk penalties from the Federal Trade Commission.
Importantly, the law offers safe harbor protections for platforms that act in good faith to remove content, ensuring enforcement does not stifle open communication or innovation online.
Major tech firms including Google, TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat endorsed the bill, praising its balanced framework that prioritizes safety while preserving free expression.
Not everyone was on board. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), one of only two “no” votes, voiced concerns over potential overreach.
“I’m voting NO because I feel this is a slippery slope, ripe for abuse, with unintended consequences,” Massie stated. “[The bill] would impose federal criminal and civil penalties for publishing unauthorized intimate pictures generated with AI.”
Despite those objections, the overwhelming support signals that lawmakers recognize the urgent need to confront digital exploitation, especially when minors and vulnerable individuals are involved.
This legislative success is a defining moment for Melania Trump, whose Be Best campaign has consistently focused on protecting children from the dangers of online abuse and exploitation. Her hands-on leadership and advocacy have now helped deliver real policy change with broad bipartisan backing.
As President Trump prepares to sign the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, the First Lady’s enduring focus on dignity, accountability, and the well-being of children continues to leave a lasting imprint on the nation.