Former President Donald Trump has reacted to the ongoing discussions regarding AI safety, characterizing these apprehensions as another series of hoaxes devised by “the Radical Left Democrats” aimed at undermining the nation.
On Saturday, Trump initiated his comments on AI through his social media platform, Truth Social. He noted that many believe the term “Artificial Intelligence” is inaccurate, suggesting it lacks eloquence. To engage his followers, he conducted a poll offering alternative names for the technology: Superior Intelligence, Extreme Intelligence, or Supreme Intelligence. The poll remains active at the time of this article.
A few hours later, Trump elaborated on his thoughts, alleging that efforts to “decimate or destroy AI” represent yet another of the numerous Democratic hoaxes. He listed these alongside previous claims relating to “RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, UKRAINE, UKRAINE,” as well as issues like Global Warming and impeachment efforts.
Trump maintained that he will not passively allow this to occur, asserting that the so-called conspiracy against AI originated with attacks on data centers, which he claims are key assets for their communities. He contended that, following what he termed a failed attempt to undermine data centers, critics are now targeting AI directly.
The former president did not provide any substantiation for his assertions that widespread concerns regarding AI and data centers are not legitimate. It’s worth noting that individuals from both major political parties have criticized data centers, and New York has recently prohibited permits for large new projects.
Trump’s comments mirror remarks he made at a golf tournament over the past weekend, where he expressed willingness to establish “guardrails” for AI, while also claiming that “negative forces” are disproportionately raising the alarm.
Continuing his address on Saturday, Trump vowed to support and oversee the growth of the AI industry but announced plans to create an AI Force akin to the Space Force he established during his presidency.
He promised to introduce an AI ‘Czar’ soon, stating that only individuals with high intelligence quotients should apply for the position.
The specific responsibilities of the AI Force and its leader remain unclear. It’s noteworthy that David Sacks stepped down as Trump’s AI and crypto czar earlier this year to join the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
The debate over AI safety has gained momentum recently; an AI researcher announced quitting his role at Anthropic due to concerns that leading AI firms “earnestly believe it could kill us all by the end of the decade” and are effectively “gambling with our lives.” In response, Anthropic’s CEO released a strategy to “pace the frontier,” which garnered backing from notable figures like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SpaceX’s Elon Musk. Critics within the AI landscape argue that many of the existential fears surrounding the technology divert attention from its more immediate risks.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, echoed Trump’s sentiments at the All-In Summit, which Sacks co-hosts, calling the AI backlash a “hoax” and insisting that they will not allow any slowdowns in progress.
