Key facts
- OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs have called for more AI regulation.
- President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about these calls.
- Trump stated that strong leadership is the only necessary control for AI.
- Trump emphasized the importance of US leadership in AI over China.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently met with the president in Dallas.
- There is hope for bipartisan consensus on AI regulation.
OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs have voiced calls for increased regulation of artificial intelligence, a stance that has drawn skepticism from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump took to social media to assert that the only necessary control for AI is a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT," and that the U.S. currently has one. He also claimed that the Trump administration had previously implemented controls to prevent AI 'people' from engaging in harmful activities and vowed to continue such measures.
Trump further articulated his view that the primary concern is preventing China from surpassing the U.S. in AI development, describing a "SICK conspiracy" against AI and data centers that benefits China. He stated, "WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS! We are leading China, and all others, and will continue to do so."
While Anthropic has had disagreements with the current administration, particularly regarding the Pentagon's use of AI in warfare, OpenAI maintains a pragmatic relationship with the administration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently met with the president during the midterm convention in Dallas. According to Lehane, there is optimism that a bipartisan consensus on AI regulation could accelerate progress with the White House, stating, "I think if we get to a place where there’s real, you know, bipartisan support, I think that would certainly create momentum in terms of how people are looking at the need to do this."