On May 19, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump made headlines when she signed the Take It Down Act just moments after President Donald Trump. While her signature carried no legal force, it broke with tradition—First Ladies have never formally participated in signing legislation.

The Take It Down Act targets the spread of non-consensual intimate images and AI-generated deepfakes, an issue Melania has championed. Her signature, though symbolic, was widely seen as a personal statement of commitment to the cause.

Melania’s involvement in the bill was far from ceremonial. She led roundtables with victims, lobbied lawmakers, and amplified public awareness. Her efforts contributed to the measure’s overwhelming bipartisan passage.

Supporters praised her gesture as a historic moment that reflected her hands-on advocacy. For many, her role underscored the importance of standing with victims of digital exploitation and abuse.

Critics, however, voiced concern that her participation blurred constitutional boundaries. They argued that unelected figures should not appear to share in legislative authority, warning it could set an uneasy precedent.

The moment also reignited debate over the evolving role of First Ladies in U.S. politics. Traditionally viewed as cultural ambassadors, some modern First Ladies have pushed into policy spaces—but Melania’s act was unprecedented in its formality.

Though her signature held no legal effect, the symbolism reverberated. For advocates, it highlighted the seriousness of the issue; for skeptics, it raised questions about power, optics, and constitutional norms.

Ultimately, the signing underscored both Melania Trump’s unusual activism and the shifting expectations of political spouses. Whether viewed as a bold statement or a constitutional overstep, it ensured her role in the Take It Down Act will be remembered.