President Trump recently pushed back against proposals for increased federal regulations on artificial intelligence, despite significant warnings from industry leaders regarding potential dangers. He stated on Truth Social that the only "control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!" Trump also alleged a "SICK conspiracy going on against AI and Data Centers," suggesting that China benefits from these concerns, as he believes "WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS!"
This stance comes even as some executives, including Microsoft, have published provisional codes of conduct for training new AI models, and others like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have called for a slowdown in development due to existential risks. Notably, Anthropic AI researchers Jacob Coxon and Evan Hubinger have publicly expressed beliefs that AI could lead to human extinction by the end of the decade. Trump, however, referred to Amodei as "pretending to be a 'perfect little angel'" and claimed his administration has already stopped AI "people" from doing "bad, or potentially bad, 'things'."
While Trump minimizes the need for new regulations, citing existing "CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power" over AI companies, there is public concern. An NBC News Decision Desk poll indicated that 70% of adults are more worried than excited about AI, and 69% oppose the construction of AI data centers in their areas, including 57% of Republican voters. Conversely, China has criticized warnings from U.S. tech leaders as "fearmongering" and a "Cold War playbook" aimed at hindering its technological progress.
White House AI adviser David Sacks and Vice President JD Vance have echoed a similar sentiment, advocating for minimal regulation to ensure the U.S. remains competitive with China. Vance expressed personal reservations about AI companies "begging the government to regulate them," suggesting it feels like a "Trojan horse" and emphasizing the need to "regulate smartly." House Speaker Mike Johnson also warned against a moratorium on AI, fearing China would surpass the U.S.
