'The only guardrails AI needs': Trump makes stunning claim about who should control it
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said artificial intelligence does not need additional controls or "guardrails" beyond a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT" in a fiery new post on Monday, September 14.
Trump's remarks came amid a broader debate over AI regulation and safety.
Former President Barack Obama, meanwhile, recently urged Democrats to develop a framework addressing the technology's risks, including its potential impact on children and workers.
Trump makes his case clear
"The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the USA has that, in spades!" Trump wrote.
He said his administration had stopped AI "people" from doing "bad, or potentially bad, 'things.'"
Trump specifically named Dario Amodei, the CEO of AI company Anthropic, saying he was now pretending to be a "perfect little angel."
Trump also pointed to the government's existing authority over technology companies.
"We already have tremendous CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power over these companies!" he wrote.
Amodei has publicly raised concerns about the development of increasingly powerful AI systems and called for greater attention to their safety and economic consequences.
Trump did not identify any new AI policy or regulatory action in his post.
China warning follows conspiracy claim
Trump then shifted to the United States' competition with China and the expansion of AI infrastructure.
"There is a SICK conspiracy going on against AI and Data Centers, and the only one that is happy about it is China," he wrote.
He did not provide details about the alleged conspiracy or identify the people or groups he was referring to.
"WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS!" Trump added, saying the United States was leading China and other countries in the race to develop the technology.
The Trump administration has made US leadership in artificial intelligence a central policy goal and has promoted the construction of data centers and other infrastructure needed to support the industry's expansion.
Trump ended his post with a warning directed at "Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers."
"BEWARE!" he wrote.
AI debate reaches Washington
Trump's post came shortly after Obama reportedly discussed the issue with Democratic leaders and urged the party to prepare for the challenges posed by AI.
Obama reportedly told House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Democrats should develop a public plan addressing safety if they regain control of the House.
He also urged potential 2028 presidential candidates to have clear proposals on the technology's risks and its possible effect on employment.
The different approaches come as AI becomes an increasingly prominent issue in Washington.
