Trump says AI safety fears a ‘hoax’ as he rejects calls for greater safeguards

US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) as a "hoax", rejecting calls for stricter safeguards on the rapidly advancing technology. This stance followed warnings from Jack Clark, co-founder of AI company Anthropic, who suggested a mandatory "kill switch" for AI systems to prevent potential dangers.

Clark's remarks came amid warnings from executives and staff at leading AI firms about the risks AI technology poses to humanity. These concerns led to a decline in tech company stocks on Monday as investors assessed the potential slowdown in AI development. Trump took to social media to compare the AI safety debate to the "Global Warming Scam," which he claimed was being orchestrated by radical left Democrats.

He also referred to himself as "the Hoax Buster," likening AI safety concerns to the "RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA HOAX." Trump asserted that the only guardrails needed for AI are a "strong and smart" presidency. Meanwhile, Chinese state media noted that experts had warned that Washington's growing anxiety over China's rapid AI development is distorting US policy priorities.

Chinese professor Xin Qiang of Fudan University explained that China's rapid AI advancement has made it a formidable competitor, and US policy slowdown or tighter regulations could accelerate China's lead in AI technology.