Former President Donald Trump is evaluating whether to implement social media regulations for young Americans, taking cues from international approaches, according to his daughter-in-law Lara Trump. In a recent episode of Pod Force One, Lara disclosed that Trump has been "taking an interest" in the effects of social media on children and how various nations are addressing the issue.
Lara Trump Advocates for Parental Controls and Regulation
As a mother of two, Lara expressed personal support for regulatory frameworks similar to those in Australia and France, which establish bodies to protect children from social media until their mid-teens. "I'm not much of one for regulating things, but I would be very happy with a little bit of regulation in this space, just personally as a parent," she told New York Post columnist Miranda Devine during a Wednesday interview.
Conversations with the President on Youth Screen Time
Lara recounted discussing her concerns with Trump, highlighting how children's "feel-good chemicals are firing" when they engage with screens. "And then you take the screen away, and those all go away," she explained, adding, "Well, how are they ever going to get back to that in just regular life without a screen? They almost don't." The White House has not yet commented on whether Trump is actively considering restrictions for minors.
Melania Trump's Be Best Initiative and Online Safety
First Lady Melania Trump has been a vocal proponent of social media safety for children, advocating against cyberbullying and the distribution of deepfake sexual content through her Be Best campaign. It remains unclear if she has directly influenced her husband's stance on youth social media use, as her office did not respond to inquiries.
International Models and Regulatory Precedents
A source familiar with the topic noted that Trump has heard bipartisan concerns about social media's negative impact on youth and is exploring actions taken by other countries. Australia, for instance, enforces some of the strictest rules globally, banning children under 16 from major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, with fines up to $49.5 million for violations.
Trump's Executive Actions and Policy Shifts
Despite Lara's claims of Trump's receptiveness to regulation, his administration has historically focused on reducing platform censorship and enhancing user freedoms, often clashing with allies like the UK and Australia over content restrictions. However, recent moves include the Take It Down Act, signed in May 2025 with Melania's endorsement, which criminalizes non-consensual distribution of real and AI-generated sexual imagery.
Family Practices and No-Screen Policy
Lara, married to Trump's son Eric, emphasized a "no-screen policy" at home, where their children Luke, 8, and Carolina, 6, do not use cell phones or tablets. "They're on nothing at all," she stated, preferring activities like football or coloring books to foster conversation skills. "They talk to us, so that one day when they're adults, imagine that, they're going to have the ability to converse with people instead of look at a screen."
Bipartisan Legislative Efforts in the U.S.
In Congress, Democrats and Republicans have introduced bills to limit children's access to social media. Notably, the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), proposed by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and a bipartisan group, seeks to ban users under 13 and restrict algorithm-based content for those under 17.
Trump's consideration of social media regulations for minors marks a potential shift, influenced by global examples and family advocacy, as debates over online safety and free speech continue to evolve.
