How the US presidential election will shape global AI policy

The AI crossroads in American politics: The 2025 U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represents a pivotal moment for the future of artificial intelligence, with the candidates offering starkly different visions for America’s approach to this transformative technology.

Contrasting AI philosophies: Harris and Trump present opposing viewpoints on how to handle the rapid advancement of AI, reflecting broader ideological differences about the role of government in technological progress.

• Harris advocates for “responsible innovation,” emphasizing ethical guidelines, international cooperation, and robust privacy protections.
• The Biden administration’s executive order on AI, which Harris is likely to continue, requires rigorous safety testing and government oversight of AI development.
• Trump proposes a deregulatory approach, promising to dismantle Biden’s executive order and arguing that excessive oversight threatens America’s competitive edge in AI.
• Trump’s alliance with Elon Musk, another proponent of minimal government intervention in AI, has further highlighted his stance on the issue.

Common ground on China: Despite their differences, both candidates agree on maintaining restrictions on China’s access to American AI technology.

• This rare point of agreement reflects bipartisan concerns about national security and protecting U.S. commercial interests in the tech sector.

Industry implications: The tech industry is closely watching the election, recognizing its potential to significantly impact global competitiveness and AI development.

• An EY survey found that 74% of tech leaders believe the election’s outcome will significantly affect their global competitiveness.
• 82% of companies plan to increase their AI investments by more than 50% in the coming year, underscoring the importance of the regulatory landscape shaped by the next president.

Potential outcomes: The election result could lead to dramatically different scenarios for AI development and regulation in the United States.

• A Harris victory would likely strengthen international cooperation on AI governance while emphasizing ethical considerations and user protections.
• A Trump win would probably usher in an era of minimal government intervention, potentially accelerating AI development but raising concerns about unintended consequences and ethical implications.

Global impact: The decision made by American voters will have far-reaching consequences beyond U.S. borders.

• The outcome of the election will influence how AI evolves globally, given America’s leading role in technology development and policy-setting.
• The chosen approach to AI governance could affect international cooperation and competition in this crucial field.

Analyzing deeper: While the candidates present distinct visions for AI governance, the effectiveness of their policies will ultimately depend on implementation rather than theory alone. The election highlights a broader debate about balancing innovation with regulation in the face of rapidly advancing technology. As AI continues to reshape society, the next president’s approach will play a crucial role in determining how the United States navigates the opportunities and challenges presented by this transformative technology.