Melania Trump Introduces AI-Narrated Audiobook of Her Memoir
On Friday, Melania Trump revealed that she is set to release an AI-narrated audiobook version of her memoir, titled Melania. The former First Lady announced this development on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a leap into “a new era in publishing.”
“I am privileged to present Melania — The AI Audiobook — narrated completely by artificial intelligence in my own voice. Let the future of publishing commence,” Trump stated.
The audiobook, accessible through the ElevenReader app, leverages AI technology to emulate Trump’s voice, removing the necessity for her to record the narration personally. The app, created by ElevenLabs, enables authors to transform written texts into audiobooks utilizing cutting-edge text-to-speech technology.
Originally launched in October 2024, Melania combines elements of a memoir and a coffee table book. The AI audiobook edition was made available on May 22 and, as reported by Variety, will soon be released in several languages, including Spanish and Hindi.
In a promotional video, Trump referred to the memoir as a “deeply personal and introspective journey,” highlighting her intention to present her perspective. “As an individual who prefers privacy and has frequently been the target of public scrutiny and misinterpretation, I feel a duty to set the record straight. I think it is vital to communicate my viewpoint, the truth,” she expressed.
AI’s Expanding Influence in Audiobook Creation
Trump’s AI-narrated audiobook launch coincides with a wider transformation in the publishing sector towards artificial intelligence. On May 13, Amazon disclosed plans to enhance Audible’s library with AI-narrated audiobooks, collaborating with authors and publishers. In a blog entry, Audible affirmed its dedication to maintaining high-quality standards while embracing new technologies.
AI voice synthesis now allows for the recreation of an individual’s voice in any language, producing substantial cost and time efficiencies. Instead of dedicating hours in a recording studio, authors can now create entire audiobooks from voice samples. This technology is also being applied in other sectors — The New York Times recently reported AI is aiding in lowering animation production costs by as much as 90 percent.
Nonetheless, the ascent of AI in creative domains has ignited debate. Numerous actors and voice professionals perceive the technology as a threat to their careers. When Fortnite unveiled a Darth Vader character using an AI-generated voice modeled after James Earl Jones, the SAG-AFTRA union lodged a complaint over unfair labor practices. A similar reaction has occurred regarding the application of AI to replicate historical figures, such as Agatha Christie, and to create content for films like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil.
ElevenLabs, the firm behind the ElevenReader app, recently completed a $180 million Series C funding round, raising its valuation to $3.3 billion. The app also includes AI-narrated audiobooks featuring the voices of deceased celebrities like Judy Garland and Jerry Garcia — a facet of a growing and contentious trend of AI “resurrections.”
The AI version of Melania Trump’s memoir is currently available through the ElevenReader app and can also be purchased via the First Lady’s official website.