As Melania Trump Hawks Robots, Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Limit Competition

A White House robot cameo and a political push to block Chinese humanoids from the federal market.

BY MOSES JEANFRANCOIS, NEWS WRITER @MOSESJEANS

US First Lady Melania Trump walks with a humanoid robot as she arrives for the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit in Washington, DC. Photo: Getty Images

It’s the latest chapter in the fight between humans and robots. Two U.S. senators on Thursday planned to introduce a bill that bar federal agencies from purchasing or operating Chinese‑made humanoid robots, citing national security concerns. 

The bipartisan proposal, sponsored by Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, aims to secure the American Security Robotics Act into legislation. The new bill would restrict the federal government from using unmanned ground vehicles built by “foreign adversaries,” including China. 

“Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans’ privacy and our national security,” Cotton said in a statement. 

The legislation comes as Chinese robotics firms compete directly with U.S. companies such as Tesla. Despite a lack of support for Chinese-made humanoids, the White House is publicly showcasing American-made brands. 

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Melania Trump Gives American Robots a Boost

On Wednesday, a humanoid robot accompanied the first lady of the White House, Melania Trump, to the East Room for the final day of the “Fostering the Future Together” Global Coalition Summit.  

Made by California startup Figure AI, the robot, Figure 03, introduced itself in front of multiple world leaders and welcomed them in different languages. “It’s fair to state, you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House,” said Trump.  

Released in October 2025, Figure 03 is the company’s third-generation home‑assistant robot designed for daily household tasks, according to the company’s website.  

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