President Donald Trump declared on social media that fears surrounding the safety of artificial intelligence are a hoax, likening the debate to a “global warming scam” promoted by the “Radical Left Dumocrats.” He added that the only guardrails needed for AI were a “strong and smart” president.
Trump’s remarks came after Jack Clark, a co‑founder of Anthropic, told the BBC that a mandatory third‑party kill switch might be required for dangerous AI. Clark said most labs already have ways to shut down software, but lawmakers may need to enforce a universal plug‑out mechanism.
The comments have intensified a broader industry push for tighter controls. Microsoft announced a “humanist AI” framework, while Anthropic’s chief executive Dario Amodei urged a slowdown in AI development without sacrificing commercial advantage. OpenAI’s Sam Altman and xAI’s Elon Musk also endorsed industry‑wide deceleration and independent monitoring.
Amid the debate, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Senator Bernie Sanders will speak together at the Pro‑Human Assembly in Washington on Tuesday, aiming to outline a more human‑centric AI path. Sanders has warned that unchecked AI could pose an existential threat to humanity.
As AI concerns grow, the U.S. market has seen tech shares dip, reflecting investor unease over potential regulatory impacts. Chinese state media noted Washington’s anxiety over China’s AI progress may be distorting policy priorities.
Trump’s dismissal of AI safety worries marks a stark contrast to the growing calls from tech executives and lawmakers for robust safeguards. The debate will likely continue as the industry and policymakers grapple with balancing innovation and risk.
