Summary President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over artificial intelligence risks, saying U.S. leadership in AI is vital and must be maintained.
DOONBEG, Ireland (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed calls for greater caution over artificial intelligence, describing critics as “very negative forces” and stressing that the United States must maintain its lead over China in AI.
Speaking to reporters at his golf course in Ireland, Trump was asked whether the AI industry should slow its development or face tighter regulation.
“We're leading China in AI. We're the most sophisticated country in the world, and frankly I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI wins,” Trump said.
Trump said concerns about the potential dangers of AI were exaggerated, although he acknowledged that safeguards could be introduced.
The debate over AI safety has intensified in the United States after two Anthropic researchers warned that rapidly advancing technology could potentially pose an existential threat to humanity.
Trump's administration has largely supported AI companies during his second term, while major technology firms and AI executives have backed several of his initiatives.
The Pentagon has also warned of risks associated with Anthropic's AI model. Following the researchers' warnings, some technology executives have called for slowing the pace of AI development to allow more time to address potential risks.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei on Saturday proposed a three-step framework aimed at moderating AI development and managing its risks. The proposal won support from several prominent technology executives, including Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Amodei said in a Sunday interview that competition between U.S. and Chinese AI companies presented a major challenge to efforts to establish limits on the pace of AI development.
Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who resigned before issuing warnings about AI risks, called for international coordination, saying an unchecked race between the United States and China could create serious dangers.
