Participants will form teams to create projects like websites or apps using AI technologies such as generative AI, machine learning, and natural language processing, with prizes including certificates, cloud credits, and $10,000 for top teams.

The initiative aims to position the U.S. as a leader in AI development, with regional competitions in spring and a final showcase at the White House in June, where top teams will present their projects.

This challenge is part of a broader effort to embed AI into education, addressing challenges like teacher training gaps and resource funding, and encouraging innovation and ethical AI use.

The White House has not yet commented on Mrs. Trump’s new role, but the initiative emphasizes AI literacy, online safety, and combating issues like deepfake pornography, aligning with her 'Be Best' priorities.

Mrs. Trump has highlighted her personal experience with AI, including narrating her memoir as an AI-powered audiobook, and advocates for legislation against online exploitation involving AI-generated deepfakes.

The challenge encourages ongoing curiosity and perseverance among students and educators, with resources available on AI.gov and the White House AI Challenge page, and registration open with a deadline of January 20, 2026.

Supporters see this as a strategic move to foster innovation and maintain American leadership in AI, while critics question her expertise and the potential for unoriginal content, drawing parallels to her past plagiarism issues.

The initiative also emphasizes global collaboration and responsible innovation, with over 60 organizations supporting AI education as part of a public-private partnership.

The challenge aims to inspire a new generation of problem-solvers, with students and teachers exploring AI’s potential to address real-world issues and promote civic engagement.

Overall, this effort reflects a significant step toward integrating AI into education and preparing youth for an AI-driven future, with a focus on safety, ethics, and technological advancement.

First Lady Melania Trump announced the Presidential AI Challenge, inviting K-12 students and educators nationwide to participate in developing AI solutions, with the goal of fostering AI literacy among youth and celebrating America's 250th anniversary.