Topics: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Politics, Technology, Artificial intelligence
Critics and fans of Donald and Melania Trump have previously questioned whether all is at it seems with the first lady.
There have been several occasions where people have questioned whether that is actually Melania standing by Trump's side, with accusations of body doubles and more.
Now, Melania made an announcement on X, which involves the use of AI.
Trump revealed that the audiobook version of her memoir, 'Melania', has been voiced entirely by artificial intelligence.
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"Let the future of publishing begin,” she wrote on X to make the announcement.
“I am honored to bring you Melania – The AI Audiobook – narrated entirely using artificial intelligence in my own voice," she wrote.
A product description on her website says the audiobook has been made using a version of her voice which has been 'created under Mrs. Trump’s direction and supervision'.
The memoir goes into a lot of personal detail about her life and childhood, her political views, and more.
So, while it might make sense that she wouldn't want somebody else voicing it, to not record it herself (as is usual for memoirs) seems strange according to critics.
Political commentators have made much of the first lady's fashion choices too, including her memorable hat which she wore low over her eyes for Trump's second inauguration.
She seems keen to distance herself both from her husband and from the public, which using AI to read out emotionally charged passages seems to be another step towards.
An MSNBC reporter said: “We do not get access to her, perceived or otherwise.”
Worse, according to the New York Times Melania has only spent 14 out of the first 108 days of her husband’s term at the White House.
One tech expert is calling the announcement a 'milestone' for AI use, but says voiceover artists and actors needn't worry too much just yet.
Clay Shirky, an expert from New York University said the change to AI will happen 'gradually'.
It was previously revealed that Melania has signed a hugely well-paid deal with Amazon for a documentary series about her life.
The plan is for the series to show behind-the-scenes and a fly-on-the-wall look at the life of a first lady, but with her fiercely kept privacy so far, fans are wondering just how much of her life they will actually get to witness.
On January 6, an Amazon spokesperson described the series as an 'unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at First Lady Melania Trump.'
Later that week, Mrs. Trump told Fox News: “We started the production in November, and we are shooting right now, so it’s a day-to-day life, what I’m doing, what kind of responsibilities I have.
“It’s day-to-day, from transition team to moving to the White House, packing, establishing my team, the First Lady office, moving into the White House, what it takes to make the residence your home, to hire the people that you need,” she added.
When asked if she would be filmed at the White House, seeing as she has hardly been there, Melania replied: "You know, when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach.”
She said it was the success of her book when it was released last year that made her realise people want to know more.
“Well, the book was such a success, and I’m very proud, and I get so many messages and letters how they enjoy the book, and they would love — my fans and people — would love to hear more from me,” she explained.
“My life is incredible. It’s incredibly busy, and I told my agent, you know, ‘I have this idea, so please, you know, go out and make a deal for me.'"
We will have to see how much she allows to be shown.
