Everyone but Trump is worried about AI

As Donald Trump speaks on stage at the 2026 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, it becomes apparent that everyone but the President is concerned about artificial intelligence (AI). While policymakers and tech CEOs are discussing the need for safeguards in AI development, Trump is actively posting about it on social media. He claims that AI requires "a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT," arguing that the United States possesses that capability.

Trump also asserts that there is a "SICK conspiracy" targeting AI and data centers, and that China is the only one benefitting from it. He insists that "whoever wins AI, wins!" In contrast, he dismisses the notion that AI could take over the world or destroy humanity, labeling such fears as a "HOAX."

The President's sudden interest in AI comes after an employee at Anthropic, an AI company, announced his resignation citing concerns over AI giants "gambling with our lives" in pursuit of "self-improving superintelligence." Since then, lawmakers from various political parties, as well as leaders of leading AI companies, have started engaging in serious conversations about slowing down AI development.

It is unclear why Trump is so focused on this issue, but it may be linked to the US-China competition and the economy. He often emphasizes the importance of protecting the "golden goose" as justification for his support of AI and data centers. While opposition to AI and data centers has become a rare point of bipartisan consensus, with a majority of Americans strongly opposing the construction of AI data centers near their homes, Congress is unlikely to act anytime soon.

This leaves the quickest route to AI regulation going through the executive branch, where Trump is gleefully uninterested in taking action.