Trump says ‘very negative forces’ are exaggerating AI risks

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, on September 13, saying that critics of artificial intelligence were “very negative forces” who were raising concerns that would not materialise. He was asked whether the AI industry should be slowed down or subject to tighter regulation.

Trump asserted that the United States is ahead of China in artificial intelligence and described the country as “the most sophisticated … in the world.” He added that he wants to maintain that position, stating, “whoever wins AI wins.” The president suggested that the United States’ lead in AI is a strategic priority.

When questioned about possible safeguards, Trump said that “we could put guardrails. We can do this and that,” but argued that many of the warnings being voiced are being driven by “very negative forces” and are unlikely to happen. He declined to endorse additional regulatory measures at the time.

The remarks came amid a growing public debate in the United States over the rapid development of AI. Two researchers from the AI firm Anthropic had recently warned that the technology could pose an existential risk to humanity, warning of scenarios that could lead to human extinction in the not‑too‑distant future.

Since taking office for a second term, Trump’s administration has generally embraced AI companies, and several technology executives have publicly supported his initiatives. AI industry leaders have contributed to the midterm election campaign ahead of the November 3 vote that will decide control of Congress, and SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s political action committee, America PAC, has already spent millions backing Republican candidates, with further spending expected.