Remarks: Melania Trump Attends the AI National Challenge Awards Ceremony - June 9, 2026

Hello everyone and welcome to the White House. What a beautiful group. Uh, congratulations to our Presidential AI Challenge winners. It is wonderful to see this very impressive group of innovators at the White House today. I'm proud that you represent the best of America. You are our future. Thank you to Secretaries Wright and Rollins for being here today.

Your support of this program is a key to its ongoing success. I also want to recognize everyone who took part in this first AI contest, students, educators, [Laughter] parents and administrators. Yes, you could applaud. [Laughs] Today is about opening doors. When the doors open, passions flow, courage blossoms, and dreams are realized.

AI inspires. Use this chapter of your life to sail away with your dreams, to continue to build boldly, and importantly, to safeguard America's leading position in the world of technology. As you know, technology supports every business sector today. You saw AI's potential and created ideas that will shape America's future in many areas, including healthcare, nutrition, public safety, and beyond.

The first Presidential AI Challenge was broadly welcome across our nation. More than 20,000 students participated across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 49 Department of War schools in 10 countries around the world. And we are just at the beginning. Artificial intelligence gives our communities access to the largest amount of information over recorded in hum- -- humanities history.

This fundamental democratization of intellect will profoundly alter society, our industries, our social safety net, and even our open-mindness toward cultural diversity. Wisdom is tolerance and change will be enhanced at hyper speed. AI is transma- - transformative. Nature opens new possibilities. AI can help us build a stronger community, making our publicly founded social programs more efficient and more effective.

It allows us to deliver more personalized education and in return will unlock growth in Amer- -- in America's economy. Keep using artificial intelligence as a muse to open new pathways and ultimately to achieve personal growth and success. Today is about new beginnings. Don't be reluctant to push that door open.

Be bold with your dreams and brave with your actions. And now, it's my pleasure to welcome Director Kratsios who patronage for technology stands out and whose commitment to keepings America children ahead at the AI curve will leave a lasting impression. Please, Michael.