First Lady Melania Trump met with troops and military families at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina on Wednesday (November 19) in her first visit together with Second Lady Usha Vance. During her remarks, she praised the Marine Corps for 250 years of service while warning that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to redefine modern warfare and America’s defense strategy.
“Technology is changing the art of war,” Melania Trump said. “Predictably, AI will change warfare more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons.” She emphasized that the speed and capabilities of AI will fundamentally transform the military.
“The most significant change will be speed,” she said. “Artificial intelligence will become central to the war… but of course it is the Marine who will always play the most important role in realizing mission success.”
From soldiers to machines
The first lady outlined the growing presence of autonomous systems in the military. “We’re moving from human operators to human overseers—rapidly. The transition from soldiers to machines is already underway: Autonomous helicopters, swarming drones, and reconnaissance aircraft are now on the way. Fighter jets and autonomous bombers are on the way.”
Thanking service members and families
Melania Trump ended her remarks with a heartfelt thank you to the military community. “To every service member – thank you for standing guard so others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child – thank you for your strength and love. You also serve our country.”
“As we give thanks this season, let’s remember what unites us — our shared love of country, our mutual faith and our pride in those who serve,” she added, emphasizing the continued commitment to both technology and tradition in America’s defense.
