The argument for Donald Trump as the clear choice for AI policy

AI as a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign strategy: Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions as a key component of his plan to address various national issues. Newsweek contributor John Evans outlines his reasons why Trump is the best choice for the future of AI policy.

• Trump’s campaign highlights AI’s potential to improve sectors such as education, healthcare, scientific research, manufacturing, and criminal justice reform.
• The campaign emphasizes Trump’s previous efforts to reduce prison recidivism, including the signing of the First Step Act in 2018, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill.

Trump’s AI leadership during his presidency: During his time in office, Trump took several significant steps to establish the United States as a leader in AI technology and policy.

• Trump issued the first national AI strategy and committed to doubling AI research investment.
• He established the first national AI research institutes and launched initial AI regulatory guidance.
• Trump created new international AI alliances and set up guidelines for federal use of AI.

Key executive orders on AI: Trump signed two executive orders related to AI during his presidency, laying the groundwork for future developments in the field.

• In 2019, Trump signed the American AI Initiative, which focused on creating resources, redirecting funding, retraining workers, establishing standards, and engaging internationally.
• Before leaving office, Trump signed a second executive order promoting the use of “trustworthy” AI in the federal government, emphasizing the importance of public trust in AI adoption.

Contrasting approaches to AI regulation: The Trump campaign’s AI strategy differs significantly from the current administration’s approach.

• The Biden administration issued an executive order on AI in the fall of 2023, which Trump has vowed to reverse if elected.
• Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) have criticized Biden’s order as potentially stifling innovation and imposing radical liberal ideas.
• Senator Ted Cruz has raised concerns about the Biden-Harris administration’s collaboration with the RAND Corporation on AI policy, citing potential conflicts of interest.

JD Vance’s stance on AI policy: Trump’s vice presidential pick, JD Vance, has taken a strong position on limiting AI regulation.

• Vance, with his background in venture capital, argues that fully functioning AI could lead to unprecedented productivity increases.
• He draws parallels to the LASIK eye surgery industry, where technological advancements led to decreased prices and improved service quality.

Economic benefits of AI innovation: Consider the potential economic advantages of embracing AI technology.

• A former consultant with a global firm investing in AI strategies, highlights firsthand experience with AI’s economic benefits.
• Examples include AI-powered water purification systems that could improve lives worldwide.

Implications for business and innovation: Businesses would benefit from a regulatory environment that encourages AI innovation rather than hindering it.

• The same consultant claims Trump’s approach to AI would be more conducive to fostering innovation and economic growth.
• This stands in contrast to the current administration’s approach, which the author characterizes as stifling innovation and increasing censorship.

The political dimension of AI policy: It’s important to note that AI policy is a complex and multifaceted issue with implications beyond economic growth and innovation.

• The debate over AI regulation involves balancing innovation with concerns about privacy, security, and potential job displacement.
• As AI continues to evolve rapidly, policymakers from all political backgrounds will need to grapple with these challenges, regardless of who occupies the White House.