AI regulation faces political deadlock as calls grow for Congress to act
With Trump opposed and Congress divided, new safety legislation on AI is unlikely to pass anytime soon despite mounting pressure.
President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), asserting that such claims are a "HOAX." He believes a strong and smart president is sufficient to regulate AI. This stance is not supported by senior Democrats in Congress or key figures in the AI industry, who have warned of potential risks and called for government regulation.
With the current political climate, any new AI safety legislation is unlikely to pass in Congress, as it would require approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Trump's opposition to regulation effectively halts any possibility of executive action. The upcoming midterm elections in November further complicate matters, as the House is set to recess until after the vote.
Some Democrats are urging the recess to be extended until AI safeguards can be passed, while Republicans remain divided on the issue. While some lawmakers propose solutions such as an independent review, a federal "kill switch," or a moratorium on data centers, others argue that the responsibility lies with AI companies to ensure product safety.
The differing proposals and lack of consensus among lawmakers highlight the urgency in addressing AI safety, but also the challenges faced in reaching a unified decision.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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