Trump dismisses AI guardrails, calling concerns a 'conspiracy'
Former President Donald Trump dismissed calls for new AI guardrails, labeling concerns about unchecked AI growth and data center expansion as a "sick conspiracy." He asserted that a strong president, rather than regulations, is sufficient for controlling AI and emphasized maintaining a competitive edge against China. Trump's stance contrasts with some AI industry leaders and Democratic lawmakers advocating for stronger federal oversight.
Former President Donald Trump has dismissed calls for new "guardrails" to regulate the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, instead warning of a "SICK conspiracy" designed to turn Americans against AI and data centers. In a Sept. 14 post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who had published an essay advocating for slower AI development and new safeguards.
Trump stated that the only necessary control for AI is "a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT." He claimed his administration had previously prevented AI "people" from doing harm and would continue to do so. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI founder Elon Musk endorsed Amodei's suggestions, Trump maintained his position, arguing that efforts to slow AI development only benefit China and that the U.S. already possesses significant "CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power over these companies." Trump has consistently defended AI and supported data center expansion despite rising community opposition across the country, emphasizing AI's importance for U.S. competitiveness.
His comments come after he signed an executive order in June establishing a voluntary review framework for AI models. Amodei's essay highlighted AI's potential benefits but also warned of risks such as losing control of AI systems, misuse for cyberattacks, and economic disruption, urging a slowdown in capability improvements. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has spoken with Altman about Congress's role in regulation, asserting that "Congress must act this week" and cannot wait for self-regulation. Conversely, Vice President JD Vance (referencing Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who the article misidentifies as VP) expressed skepticism about AI leaders seeking government regulation, viewing it potentially as a "Trojan Horse," while still acknowledging the need to regulate AI "smartly." Trump also brushed off concerns from AI leaders during a trip to Ireland, accusing "negative forces" of "bringing up things that won’t happen."