Melania Trump will tour a school to see technology at work as AI debate rages

First lady Melania Trump is scheduled to travel to northwestern North Carolina on Tuesday where she will speak with elementary school students, teachers, and staff about classroom technology.

The visit to Ashe County, planned well in advance, comes as technology executives and political figures clash over artificial intelligence regulation. While prominent industry leaders have voiced concerns and urged stronger oversight, President Donald Trump dismissed calls for additional restrictions on Monday, describing the concept as a "hoax."

Earlier this year, the first lady drew national attention when she entered a White House event alongside a humanoid robot during a summit she convened with other first spouses on empowering children through technology.

Addressing a White House task force on AI in education last September, she highlighted how the technology was driving economic growth while offering a word of caution.

"As leaders and parents, we must manage AI’s growth responsibly," she said. "During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance."

Classroom technology remains one of the first lady's core priorities, along with advocating for children in foster care and urging Congress to pass the "Take It Down Act" to criminalize revenge porn.

The trip represents her fourth visit to North Carolina since 2025. She initially joined the president at the beginning of his term to meet with families affected by Hurricane Helene, later visiting military families elsewhere in the state.

The state features one of the most closely watched Senate battles of the November midterms, pitting Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman, against Democrat Roy Cooper, a former governor. The president will travel to Gastonia in southern North Carolina on Wednesday for a campaign rally supporting Whatley.