Former President Donald Trump has publicly diverged from a growing consensus among AI experts and policymakers, dismissing concerns that artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity as a "hoax." In recent online posts, Trump asserted that the only necessary control for AI is a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT." He also claimed that talk of AI "taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX."
This stance comes as many in the technology sector and government grapple with the rapid advancement of AI. The conversation intensified recently following the resignation of an employee from the AI company Anthropic, who cited concerns that AI developers were "gambling with our lives" in a pursuit of superintelligence. Since then, bipartisan lawmakers and leaders of major AI firms have engaged in discussions about potentially slowing down AI development to implement safety measures.
Trump's public statements appear to be partly influenced by US-China competition and economic considerations. He has previously emphasized the importance of preserving AI and data centers as a "golden goose" for economic growth. The debate over AI and data center construction has also become a rare point of bipartisan agreement, with polls indicating significant public opposition to building such facilities in their communities. Politicians from both parties are reportedly responding to this sentiment by voicing their own opposition.
While congressional action on AI regulation is uncertain, the executive branch is seen as a potential avenue for immediate action. Trump, however, has indicated a clear disinterest in implementing restrictive measures on AI development, signaling a potential shift in approach should he return to office.