First Lady Melania Trump has selected two inspiring young women as her special guests for her husband’s upcoming address before a joint session of Congress. Elliston Berry from Aledo, Texas, a victim of AI-generated deepfake images, and Haley Ferguson from Spring Hill, Tennessee, a former foster child and scholarship recipient, will accompany Trump.
Berry, who bravely shared her story at a recent event with the first lady, experienced the harmful effects of non-consensual dissemination of explicit images at a young age. With the support of lawmakers like Sen. Ted Cruz, she advocated for the Take it Down Act, which criminalizes the distribution of such exploitative content, including AI-generated deepfakes.
Ferguson, the other guest, exemplifies resilience and determination as a senior at Middle Tennessee State University, majoring in elementary education. She benefits from the Fostering the Future scholarship initiated by Melania Trump under her “Be Best” campaign, aimed at fostering youth well-being and combating cyberbullying.
Melania Trump emphasized the importance of providing a safe online environment for young individuals to freely express themselves without fear of exploitation or harm. Through these initiatives and partnerships, the first lady continues to champion causes that empower and protect vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for legislative actions to address emerging technological challenges affecting society.
The presence of Berry and Ferguson alongside Melania Trump serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to create a more supportive and secure future for all young individuals.
