Jensen Huang tells Ezra Klein that AI is just software whose existential risks are overstated, yet his standards would shut down OpenAI and 10x safety spending (Zvi Mowshowitz/Don't Worry About the Vase)

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, is a prominent figure in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. His relationship with former US President Donald Trump often made headlines, with Trump reportedly making late-night calls to Huang last year. During a recent AI summit in Los Angeles, Trump endorsed Huang's stance on AI safety by dismissing warnings as a "hoax" and telling him, "We're going to lead."

Samuel Hammond, an AI policy expert, believes Huang's close friendship with Trump has had a significant impact on the development of cutting-edge AI technology. Huang has been outspoken about lifting restrictions on advanced AI chip sales to China, arguing that it would accelerate American firms' competitive edge over China. He firmly believes that AI is the next industrial revolution and that whichever country adopts its technology widely will emerge as the leader.

Despite his strong advocacy for unregulated AI chip exports to China, concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with such technology falling into the wrong hands. Huang himself, however, maintains that AI risks are minimal compared to the benefits it brings to various sectors, including medical research and commercial applications.