First Lady Melania Trump delivered a message of caution and encouragement on artificial intelligence during a virtual event for young leaders on Friday, emphasizing that human thought must never be replaced by technology.

Speaking at the “Zoom Ahead: AI for Tomorrow’s Leaders” event hosted by Zoom CEO Eric Yuan, Trump described the current era as the “Age of Imagination,” where curiosity can be satisfied almost instantly through artificial intelligence. She urged young Americans to use AI as a tool for creativity but warned against becoming overly dependent on it.

“We are living in the Age of Imagination,” Trump said in her remarks, describing it as a “new era powered by artificial intelligence” where one’s curiosity can be satisfied “almost magically, in seconds.”

Trump highlighted that history’s greatest innovators—including writers, architects, scientists, and painters—had endless curiosity about human nature and questioned what was unknown. She challenged young people to imagine creating films, fashion brands, music, and art using AI tools.

“Are you ready to produce your own movie?” she asked. “Do you want to build the next Dress to Impress empire? Have you ever wondered how to become the next master artist?”

The First Lady concluded with a call for independent thought: “Artificial intelligence can generate images and information, but only humans can generate meaning and purpose. Deep thinking, patience, and staying curious are where purpose begins.” She reiterated that the most valuable modern skill is “knowing what to ask, why it matters,” urging young Americans to never surrender their thinking to AI.