First Lady Melania Trump is once again leaning into artificial intelligence, but this time, she’s handing the reins to the next generation. On Tuesday, Melania Trump unveiled the Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide contest inviting K–12 students to develop AI-powered solutions to real-world problems in their communities.
From improving school lunch programs to tackling environmental issues, the challenge dares students to explore how AI can be a tool for good.
"Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again — this time, in the age of AI," she said in a video message shared on X.
© Bill ClarkMelania's thoughts on AI:
The initiative isn’t coming out of nowhere. Melania Trump has quietly carved out a tech-forward profile over the past year, surprising critics and supporters alike.
Most recently, she made headlines with the release of an AI-narrated audiobook version of her 2024 memoir, 'Melania,' voiced entirely by an artificial intelligence replica of her own voice.
© Kayla Bartkowski“As someone who created an AI-powered audiobook and championed online safety through the Take It Down Act, I’ve seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology,” she said in the video. “Now, I pass the torch of innovation to you.”
© JIM WATSONIn May, she stood alongside President Donald Trump as he signed the bipartisan Take It Down Act into law, legislation aimed at penalizing the nonconsensual online sharing of explicit images, including deepfakes generated by AI. She has since continued to advocate for AI regulation, particularly to protect children and women.
What is the challenge about?
The contest itself is ambitious. Launched the same day as registration opened, the Presidential AI Challenge asks students to work in teams with the guidance of an adult mentor or teacher to create projects using AI to solve a local issue.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, explained the goal during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “We want to have America’s youth plugged in and working on and using AI tools… The possibilities are endless, but the mission is clear — we want students collaborating to build real-world solutions.”
© Leon NealThe challenge was prompted by President Trump's April 2025 executive order, which directed federal agencies to prioritize AI education in schools.
On Tuesday, he praised the initiative during a Cabinet meeting. “It’s going to be a very good challenge,” he said. “I can tell you she put her heart into it, which will inspire the next generation to stay on the cutting edge of this vital technology.”
What is the award?
Participants have until January 20, 2026, to submit their entries. State winners will be announced in early spring, followed by five regional competitions. Finalists will then be invited to a three-day showcase event at the White House in June 2026.
© Andrew HarnikThe top national teams will receive $10,000 either for their schools or per team member, along with other honors. “Every student from kindergarten through 12th grade is invited to unleash their imagination and showcase the spirit of American innovation,” said the First Lady.
