WASHINGTON: The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, has launched a new audiobook, but listeners will notice something unusual: it’s not her actual voice narrating it.
Instead, she opted for artificial intelligence to craft an audio representation of her voice.
This seven-hour audiobook is priced at $25 and was shared by Melania on her social media platforms. She describes it as “my story, my perspective, the truth,” asserting that it has been narrated by AI to mirror her voice.
This audiobook coincides with her prior concerns about the risks of deepfakes, which utilize AI to produce altered video or audio content.
The 55-year-old Melania shared the announcement of the seven-hour recording on a Thursday.
“My story, my perspective, the truth,” is narrated by a voice reminiscent of the Slovenian-born former model, showcased alongside a brief black-and-white video that features computer-generated graphics of her face.
It remains unclear whether the video showcases Melania herself or her AI-generated counterpart.
In her social media post, she states, “I am thrilled to present Melania – The AI Audiobook – narrated entirely using artificial intelligence in my own voice.”
“Let the future of publishing commence.”
The audiobook’s website asserts that the “AI-generated version” of Melania Trump’s voice was “developed under Mrs. Trump’s supervision and guidance.”
Plans for multiple foreign language editions are expected to be announced later this year.
Melania released the printed edition of her memoir to much fanfare in October, featuring a signed collector’s edition printed on “premium art paper” priced at $150.
The launch of the AI-narrated audiobook comes shortly after she and President Trump signed legislation that criminalizes the distribution of “revenge porn,” be it real or AI-generated.
In March, Melania had campaigned for the Take It Down Act during her first solo event after her husband regained the presidency, advocating against “harmful online content, including deepfakes.”
Since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, she has largely maintained a low profile at the White House, spending minimal time in Washington with her billionaire husband.
However, she has still managed to embark on a few projects that carefully shape her public persona and generate revenue.
In addition to the AI audiobook, Melania is filming a documentary series for Amazon, under a reported multi-million dollar contract.
