Act urgently on AI

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told ABC's "This Week" that lawmakers can no longer wait on artificial intelligence. He framed it as a growing threat that needs a response now.

“We certainly need to begin to act urgently to address the challenges that exist”

Slow the pace down

His specific ask is a brake, not a ban. Jeffries wants decisive action to slow the speed of AI development so it proceeds safely.

“slow down the pace of development in order to protect the American people”

The warning behind it

Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon posted a stark thread on X about where AI development is heading. Jeffries pointed to the CEOs themselves conceding the same thing.

“The people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.”

Tuesday caucus meeting

Jeffries said House Democrats meet Tuesday and artificial intelligence will be a high priority for action. That turns a Sunday show comment into a scheduled agenda item.

The $5,000 promise

Trump pledged a $5,000 "dividend" to every adult citizen if Republicans win in November. Jeffries called it unserious and pointed to costs rising, not falling.

“He's broken every promise that he's presented.”

You're already on the ballot

Trump asked voters to pretend he was on the November ballot. Jeffries said no pretending is needed: the economy, the cost of living, and a costly Middle East war are on it.

“Mr. President, we don't have to pretend. You are actually on the ballot.”

Speakership left open

Pressed on progressive wins in the primaries and whether he would actually be speaker, Jeffries dodged and returned to winning the House. He also defended meeting Jared Kushner as normal cross-aisle work.

“That is the only mission that's important”