Trump’s AI Executive Order Draft Aims To Boost Military Tech and Cut Regulations

Trump allies draft sweeping AI executive order aimed at boosting military technology and reducing regulations, signaling a potential shift in AI policy if Trump returns to the White House in 2025.

Key elements of the draft order: The plan, titled “Make America First in AI,” outlines a series of “Manhattan Projects” to advance military AI capabilities and calls for an immediate review of what it terms “unnecessary and burdensome regulations” on AI development:

• The approach contrasts with the Biden administration’s executive order from last October, which imposed new safety testing requirements on advanced AI systems.
• The proposed order suggests creating “industry-led” agencies to evaluate AI models and safeguard systems from foreign threats, likely benefiting tech companies already collaborating with the Pentagon on AI projects.

Changing political winds in Silicon Valley: The draft order reflects shifting support among some tech executives and venture capitalists who previously backed Democrats but now support Trump:

• Billionaire VCs Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz have pledged donations to Trump’s election effort.
• Elon Musk has publicly endorsed Trump’s presidential bid and pledged financial support to a pro-Trump PAC following a recent assassination attempt on the former president.

Trump’s VP pick and ties to AI supporters: Trump’s announcement of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate has energized supporters of rapid AI development:

• Vance, known for his venture capital background and ties to Silicon Valley figures, has voiced opposition to AI regulation and criticized Big Tech companies for promoting government oversight.
• However, Vance has also expressed support for open source AI in the past, adding complexity to his stance on the issue.

AI as a deeply political issue: The concept of “AI” has eclipsed its technical roots, becoming more of an idea than a technology, with beliefs ranging from creating godlike entities to the destruction of humanity or wasteful environmental harm:

• Battle lines have already been drawn, and AI has become a deeply political issue.
• The draft order and changing political winds in Silicon Valley underscore the growing politicization of AI and its potential impact on future policy decisions.

Broader implications and unanswered questions: The draft executive order and the evolving political landscape surrounding AI raise important questions about the future of AI policy and its impact on society:

• How will a potential shift towards reduced regulation and increased military focus in AI development under a second Trump administration affect the broader AI landscape and the responsible development of the technology?
• To what extent will the changing political allegiances of prominent tech figures and venture capitalists influence the direction of AI policy and the public discourse surrounding the technology?
• As AI becomes increasingly politicized, how can policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders work together to ensure that the development and deployment of AI systems prioritize safety, ethics, and the greater good of society, regardless of political affiliations?