Trump, Johnson to Meet Tech CEOs on AI Next Week

Former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson are scheduled to meet with artificial intelligence executives next week, according to multiple sources familiar with the meeting. The gathering is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29.

This meeting occurs as leaders from prominent AI companies have begun to voice concerns about the technology's rapid advancement and the potential for it to surpass human control, advocating for measures to slow its development.

Trump has previously characterized claims regarding the threat of AI as a "hoax" and has shown reluctance towards the idea of new regulations for the technology. In contrast, Johnson has expressed support for discussions between tech CEOs and Trump regarding AI.

"There'll be a deliberate discussion about the responsibility of the companies to maintain safety, and what role, if any, the government has to play in that," Johnson told reporters last week. It remains unclear which specific tech CEOs will attend the meeting.

Earlier in September, leaders from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic called for a pause in the rapid pace of AI development. At that time, Trump dismissed these warnings as a "HOAX," suggesting a "SICK conspiracy" surrounding AI. He asserted that the notion of AI taking over the world or destroying humanity was fabricated.

Last week, Trump also stated his intention to establish a new "AI Force" and appoint a dedicated AI czar, while continuing to downplay concerns about the potential dangers of the technology. Axios was the first to report on the upcoming meeting.

The House of Representatives has adjourned until after the midterm elections, which may affect congressional efforts to regulate AI in the interim. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the scheduled meeting.