President Donald Trump has pledged federal support for artificial intelligence growth in the United States, rejecting calls to slow development and framing AI advancement as essential to maintaining America's technological lead.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated: "We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry." He described AI as a technology with potential to rival the Industrial Revolution or the internet in significance.
Government Approach to AI Development
Trump said the government will monitor AI for potential issues while supporting industry growth. He characterized fears about future AI threats to humanity as "a hoax," despite calls from technology executives and researchers for stronger safety measures as AI models become more powerful.
The president framed AI development as a competitive race, stating "Whoever wins AI, WINS!" and claimed the United States currently leads China and other countries in the field.
New Government Initiatives
Trump announced plans to create an "AI Force" and appoint a new AI czar, comparing the initiative to the Space Force established during his first administration. He provided limited details about the structure or authority of the proposed AI Force.
White House science and technology adviser Michael Kratsios argued that AI companies can self-regulate by slowing development when they assess safety concerns, and that federal authorities already possess tools to address problems when necessary.
Broader AI Safety Debate
Trump's position reflects a broader divide within government and industry. Some technology leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have advocated for a more gradual approach to developing advanced AI models. Congress remains split between those calling for increased regulation and others seeking to protect innovation.
AI has also emerged in discussions between the U.S. and China, with the two governments discussing a proposed notification system for artificial intelligence incidents that could threaten national security.
