President Donald Trump has outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance America’s leadership in artificial intelligence. The proposal focuses on slashing regulations, discouraging what he calls “woke AI,” and clearing the path for rapid development. The plan, released on July 23rd, is a strong endorsement of the technology and outlines a clear “get out of the way” approach for the government.
The proposal quickly won praise from tech and business groups, who stand to benefit from fewer restrictions. Patrick Hedger from the tech group NetChoice called the difference between Trump’s plan and the Biden administration’s approach “night and day.” He argued that Trump’s plan aims to help the private sector and then let it innovate freely, unlike what he called Biden’s “command and control” style.
However, others are far more cautious. The Future of Life Institute, which famously advocated for a pause in AI development last year, stated that it is positive that the plan acknowledges serious risks, such as AI-powered bioweapons. But they warned that it doesn’t go far enough to protect people.
The group’s director, Anthony Aguirre, criticized the plan for relying on “voluntary safety commitments” from Big Tech companies, saying that “promises alone are simply not enough.” He fears this could lead to major accidents, massive job losses, and a loss of human control over the technology, issues that require stronger government oversight, not less.
