Trump's A.I. Love Affair Defies Political Logic

While Americans fear artificial intelligence, Donald Trump refuses to criticize it, bucking his own populist playbook.

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Sep 19, 2026

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Trump's A.I. Love Affair Defies Political Logic

While Americans fear artificial intelligence, Donald Trump refuses to criticize it, bucking his own populist playbook.

In brief

While Americans fear artificial intelligence, Donald Trump refuses to criticize it, bucking his own populist playbook. Trump's unwavering support for A.I. stems from its role in his economic growth narrative and tech industry donations, not policy conviction. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.

America fears A.I., Trump doesn't

A photo collage of Trump making a kissy face in the direction of a humanoid robot.

Public concern about artificial intelligence has skyrocketed as Congress scrambles to devise regulatory task forces. Yet Trump refuses to criticize A.I., instead attacking those who do.

Trump calls A.I. fears a hoax

Trump posted that A.I. takeover warnings are a "SICK conspiracy" worse than the Russia investigation, comparing them to global warming scams and demanding critics beware.

“"This is even wilder than the RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA HOAX, or the Global Warming Scam."”

Trump says only he can control A.I.

Trump claims A.I. needs no guardrails beyond a strong, smart president, implying his leadership alone is sufficient oversight.

“"the only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT"”

The golden goose is Trump's economy

The golden goose is Trump's economy

A.I. buildout has driven most of the GDP growth under Trump's administration, making it central to his economic narrative and political identity.

Attacks on A.I. feel personal to Trump

Trump views criticism of A.I. expansion as attacks on his economic record and himself, which explains his defensive, conspiracy-minded responses.

Tech money flows to Trump

A.I. companies donate to Trump's political action committees and cultivate his favor with gifts, creating financial incentives for his support.

A perfect populist issue squandered

A.I. fears represent an ideal populist rallying cry heading into elections, yet Trump, who built his brand on populism, refuses to exploit it.

New Hampshire Senate race tightens

Democrat Chris Pappas faces an unexpectedly competitive race against Republican John Sununu, with the Cook Political Report now rating it a toss-up.

Sununu's family name carries weight

The Sununu family is a New Hampshire political dynasty. John's brother Chris is a popular former governor, and Gov. Kelly Ayotte is cruising to reelection, potentially carrying John along.

Republicans outspend Democrats in New Hampshire

Republicans have outspent Democrats in the Senate race and reserved more ad time for fall, attempting a surprise victory in what should be a Democratic year.

Newsom hints Harris won't run

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN he wouldn't run if Harris ran, suggesting he believes or knows Harris won't be a candidate.

“"Why would I? I wouldn't do that to her, I wouldn't do that to you. I wouldn't waste everyone's time."”

Newsom already has his pitch ready

When asked about Harris's loss, Newsom immediately agreed that her having had her shot and lost would be a strong campaign argument against her.

“"Yeah, and, I mean, that would be the approach to the campaign, certainly. That would be the case we'd make. A pretty good one, actually."”

The big picture

Trump's unwavering support for A.I. stems from its role in his economic growth narrative and tech industry donations, not policy conviction.

Read the original on Slate Magazine

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