Melania Trump has provided additional clarification regarding her stance on artificial intelligence -Credit:AP
(AP)
Melania Trump has provided additional clarification regarding her stance on artificial intelligence following last week’s White House summit.
The first lady hosted a technology conference at the White House on March 25, focusing on AI’s impact on education worldwide. The gathering brought together first spouses and included presentations from representatives of nine countries, such as France, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco.
The wife of President Donald Trump drew significant attention when she appeared at the event with an AI-powered humanoid robot called Figure 03. Though the move was meant to signal support for technological advancement, many viewers found the display unsettling.
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Teachers speak out after Melania’s AI summit
The gathering triggered criticism from teachers and parents, who raised concerns about robots or AI taking on a larger role in schools.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, made her position clear at the inaugural Workers First AI Summit on March 26.
Weingarten stated: “What she did yesterday was every parent’s nightmare,” and added, “This is exactly what Big Tech wants to create: a sense of a society that is being led by and taught by robots, displacing every bit of all of who we are, starting with education.”
She continued: “The future is here,” asking, “What are we going to do to make sure that AI is a tool? That the human beings are in charge, not the tool?”
Melania hailed AI as the “great equalizer” -Credit:X
Melania’s response to AI backlash
In an opinion piece published on Fox News Saturday, she hailed AI as the “great equalizer” that can provide children of all educational backgrounds with more access.
She proposed that AI-driven tools could offer students personalized academic assistance or extend access to students in underserved regions.
“The naysayers must stop wasting their time fearmongering about robots,” she penned.
She further stated that “America’s teachers will remain the foundation of education, but can also be empowered by AI. As their roles evolve, AI will support them with up-to-date information, tools for personalized instruction and more time to focus on critical thinking, creativity and mentorship.
“AI is not intended to replace teachers with humanoids.”
