First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited military families and troops on November 8, 2023, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. The visit took place at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, where the First Lady highlighted the significance of the Marine Corps’ longstanding service and addressed the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare.
During her address, Mrs. Trump emphasized the integration of AI into the defense strategies of the Trump administration. She stated, “Technology is changing the art of war,” and asserted that AI would transform military operations more significantly than any advancement since nuclear weapons. The First Lady’s remarks align with President Trump’s broader initiative, “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” published in July.
The First Lady acknowledged the Marine Corps’ legacy and welcomed two Marines, Sgt. Blake Donoher and Cpl. Daishamari Cannon, on stage. She stated that the “most significant change will be speed” as AI begins to take center stage in military operations. “It is the Marine who will always play the most critical role in realizing mission success,” she noted.
Mrs. Trump elaborated on the implications of AI for the military landscape, stating, “Artificial intelligence is propelling America’s military into a new era.” She pointed out the transition from human operators to human overseers, mentioning advancements such as autonomous helicopters and swarming drones. The First Lady emphasized that the shift from soldiers to machines is already underway, with autonomous bombers and fighter-less jets on the horizon.
The visit coincided with Thanksgiving preparations, as both the First and Second Lady engaged with students at Camp Lejeune, who showcased AI projects as part of the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge. The First Lady participated in a light-hearted moment with a shy first-grade student, encouraging him and embracing him during a game.
In concluding her remarks, Mrs. Trump expressed gratitude to service members and their families, stating, “To every Service Member — thank you for standing watch so others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child — thank you for your strength and love. You serve our country, too.” She emphasized the importance of unity and shared values during the Thanksgiving season, highlighting the collective pride in those who serve.
The event marked a significant public appearance for both the First Lady and Second Lady, showcasing their commitment to military families and the importance of technology in defense.
