Melania Trump Launches Presidential AI Challenge
First Lady Melania Trump announced Tuesday the launch of the Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide contest inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade to develop projects using artificial intelligence to solve community problems.
Framing the initiative as a call to innovation, she encouraged America’s youth to apply AI to local challenges—from improving school resources to addressing environmental concerns.
Leading in the Age of AI
“Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again, this time in the age of AI,” the first lady said in a video post on X. Drawing on her experience producing an AI-narrated audiobook of her 2024 memoir, Melania, she added, “I have seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology.”
She described the challenge as “the first step in preparing our next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology.”
Presidential Support
The contest follows President Donald Trump’s April executive order directing federal agencies to advance AI education for American youth. During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, the president praised the first lady.
“It’s going to be a very good challenge. She put her heart into it, which will inspire the next generation to stay on the cutting edge of this vital technology,” he said.
Registration and Rules
Registration opened Tuesday on the official website. Each team must have an adult mentor or teacher. Entries are due Jan. 20, 2026.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, told Fox & Friends, “We want to have America’s youth plugged in and working on real-world solutions using AI tools.”
Competition Structure
State champions will be announced in early 2026. Winners advance to five regional competitions, with finalists invited to Washington for a three-day showcase at the White House in June 2026.
National champions will receive $10,000, either for their school or per team member, along with additional prizes.
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