Washington flipped on AI fast

Lawmakers once embraced AI for economic growth, but public opinion shifted as Americans worried about expensive data centers and job losses. Some industry leaders now warn AI could cause human extinction.

Trump ignores the alarm

While industry experts warn of AI dangers, Trump dismisses concerns as a hoax and compares them to his impeachments. He's focused on keeping Wall Street and the economy booming.

“AI taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX.”

Extinction warnings shake Congress

An AI researcher posted that the technology could bring human extinction by decade's end. Within days, Bernie Sanders called for bipartisan briefings and lawmakers demanded new regulations and agencies.

Anthropic reveals misuse attempts

The AI company released a report detailing how individuals and nation-states tried to misuse its technology for cyberattacks and biological weapons research.

Industry leaders call for slowdown

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and Elon Musk all urged slowing AI development to reduce risks. Trump dismissed their warnings while golfing in Ireland.

Trump revoked Biden's AI rules

Upon returning to office, Trump scrapped Biden's executive order that regulated the AI industry. He prioritized business growth and cultivated relationships with tech titans.

Ratepayer pledge falls short

To head off populist backlash, Trump announced the Ratepayer Protection Pledge in March, asking AI developers to fund electricity upgrades. The White House now pushes legislation to make it mandatory.

White House divided on regulation

Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent support more regulation, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opposes it. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded Anthropic drop ethical safeguards.

Trump fears recession from slowdown

The president worries that halting AI expansion could trigger an economic downturn. He's watched the industry prop up stock markets despite inflation and tariff challenges.

Skeptics question executives' motives

Trump allies suspect AI leaders are seeking regulations to freeze the industry and block competitors. Vice President Vance called it a Trojan horse, while David Sacks urged companies to self-regulate.

Unlikely allies demand action

Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Brian Schatz both called for substantial AI regulation. Bernie Sanders will join Steve Bannon at a Pro-Human Assembly focused on keeping humans in control.

Xi summit offers opportunity

Trump will meet with China's President Xi Jinping next week. Industry leaders hope the summit could establish international AI safety guidelines, but Trump wants no slowdown.

China's own AI concerns

China's top intelligence official warned that AI could threaten the Communist Party's grip on power through hacking and disinformation. Xi may approach the summit with new caution.

Altman appeals to Trump's ego

OpenAI's Sam Altman suggested that if Trump and Xi strike an AI safety deal, the president could win his long-sought Nobel Peace Prize.

Sanders warns of danger ahead

The Vermont senator said Trump's dismissal of AI risks is extremely dangerous. He hopes bipartisan outrage will eventually force the president to pay attention.

“Trump's ignorance is extremely dangerous. He has not a clue about the dangers inherent in this technology.”