Former President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that predictions of artificial intelligence posing an existential threat to humanity are unfounded, asserting that such outcomes "won't happen." He simultaneously issued a warning about the critical importance of the United States outpacing China in the race for artificial intelligence superiority.
"We're leading China in AI. We're the most sophisticated country in the world, and frankly, I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI wins," Trump told reporters at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was attending the Irish Open.
Trump's comments come as concerns about the rapid advancement of AI have been amplified by experts. Jacob Coxon, a former researcher for AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic, recently expressed alarm in an interview with Fox News, describing AI as "possibly the most dangerous technology that humanity has ever created." Coxon warned that AI could potentially lead to the end of humanity, suggesting that while humans understand how to control nuclear weapons, controlling AI remains an open challenge.
House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in on the issue, cautioning against a moratorium on AI development that could allow China to gain an advantage. "We can not put a moratorium on this because China will overlap us," Johnson said in an interview on CNN. He invited AI leaders to Washington for discussions with congressional leaders and the administration to explore potential government roles in regulating the technology, emphasizing that government action should not stifle American innovation.
According to The New York Times, former President Barack Obama also shared his views at a private gathering, noting that the rapid development of AI in private hands could become dangerous if not adequately addressed. Obama reportedly urged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to initiate a public conversation and develop a framework for addressing AI, anticipating Jeffries's potential speakership following the November elections.