Trump opposes new AI restrictions in the US
In the United States, President Donald Trump said he sees no need for new government restrictions on artificial intelligence, while Democrats in Congress and some industry representatives are calling for safety rules. He called claims that artificial intelligence could take over the world and destroy humanity a hoax, and said that technology needs a “strong and smart” president rather than additional barriers.
As MyJoyOnline reports, Trump’s position reduces the chances of swiftly adopting federal legislation on AI safety. Republicans hold majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and a bill must pass both chambers and will most likely require the president’s signature.
Democrats urge Congress not to recess
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Congress not to recess before the midterm elections until lawmakers adopt decisions to protect the safety and well-being of Americans. A group of Democrats also sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson asking him to postpone the recess in order to continue discussions on AI regulation.
Republican Anna Paulina Luna proposed convening a special session of Congress to consider the issue. At the same time, Johnson did not announce plans to accelerate consideration of the initiatives this week, calling the issue complicated. According to him, Trump will soon hold a meeting at the White House with executives of AI companies to discuss businesses’ responsibility for product safety and the possible role of the government.
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Congress has no unified approach
There are already various legislative proposals on AI safety on Capitol Hill, ranging from independent assessments to a federal mechanism for shutting down AI systems and a moratorium on data centers proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders. Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar are working on a bill that could require certain AI companies to fall under federal oversight.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan, together with Republican Jay Obernolte, is developing the Frontier Act. The initiative provides for the possibility of halting the use of an AI model in the event of an “imminent catastrophic risk,” as well as independent audits of AI research laboratories. Trahan acknowledged that rapid movement of the bill this week is unlikely.
Some Republicans and Trump’s AI adviser David Sacks emphasize company self-regulation. Sacks said warnings about the technology’s existential threats are exaggerated and that developers should primarily ensure the safety of their products themselves.
