United States President Donald Trump has rejected calls for stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence, arguing that capable presidential leadership is the only control the rapidly developing technology requires.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“The only control or ‘guardrails’ that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT.”
He added that the United States already had such leadership “in spades”.
Trump’s remarks come amid growing calls from technology executives, lawmakers and researchers for independent oversight and measures aimed at limiting potentially catastrophic AI risks. He has dismissed concerns about the technology’s dangers as a “hoax” and warned that excessive regulation could weaken the United States in its competition with China. The Wall Street Journal
The president has repeatedly described AI leadership as crucial to American economic and national security, with his administration prioritising faster innovation, expanded infrastructure and the removal of regulatory barriers.
Trump previously revoked policies introduced under former president Joe Biden that his administration considered too restrictive. The White House’s AI Action Plan argues that the technology should not be “smothered in bureaucracy” during its early development. White House AI Action Plan
However, Trump’s latest statement does not mean that his administration has removed every form of AI oversight. The White House has introduced policies governing federal use of the technology, national security applications, exports and ideological neutrality in models purchased by the government.
His comments nevertheless place him firmly against broader demands for independent safety regulation, as the debate intensifies over whether governments should slow AI development or allow companies to compete with fewer restrictions.
