With an overwhelming 409-2 vote, the bill mandates the removal of such content from online platforms and establishes federal penalties for offenders. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed the move as a crucial victory in addressing digital abuse.
President Trump, who previously pledged to sign the bill during a March congressional address, reiterated his support. “This is an important law, and I’ll be proud to enact it,” he remarked, adding with his characteristic humor, “Frankly, I might need to use it myself—nobody gets attacked online more than I do.”
The Senate had already approved the measure unanimously in February, reflecting rare bipartisan agreement. Advocates argue the legislation fills a critical gap in federal law, as deepfake technology—which manipulates images or videos to fabricate explicit content—has surged, disproportionately targeting women.
First Lady Melania Trump, a vocal supporter of the bill since early March, praised its passage in an April 29 statement: “Today’s vote sends a clear message: We will defend the privacy and safety of individuals, especially our youth, from these vicious online violations.”
While states like California and Florida have enacted similar laws, critics warn the federal version could overreach. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights nonprofit, cautioned that the bill risks enabling censorship. “This law hands authorities and powerful figures a tool to suppress lawful speech they dislike,” the EFF stated, referencing Trump’s own remarks about targeting critics.
As the bill reaches the White House, its impending enactment marks a turning point in the battle against digital exploitation—but debates over free speech and enforcement loom.
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