Trump wrote today: "For years, countless scams have been concocted by radical left-wing Democrats, all designed to destroy our nation. These include the RussiaGate scandal, UkraineGate, climate change, the first impeachment hoax, the second impeachment hoax, men competing in women’s sports, transgender issues affecting everyone, and now, the latest—attacks on artificial intelligence, even attempts to undermine or destroy this entire field.
As President, I will not stand by while such efforts unfold. The current campaign against AI began with attacks on data centers. Over time, however, it became evident that locating data centers in local communities brings wealth and prestige: higher wages for residents, lower local taxes, and improved neighborhood safety. Consequently, the left-wing campaign targeting data centers has largely failed. Now, just as they once rebranded 'global warming' as 'climate change'—to expand room for doubt and rhetorical maneuvering—they are directly turning their focus toward artificial intelligence.
We will in no way obstruct or stifle the development of this extraordinary industry. On the contrary, we will cherish and support its growth, while ensuring responsible oversight during its expansion. At the same time, we will identify and address potential risks and harmful practices—tasks that can be effectively managed through America’s existing criminal and civil justice systems.
In light of this, I intend to establish an AI Force, much like the Space Force I successfully created during my first term—an initiative that has achieved significant success. To this end, I will soon appoint an AI ‘Czar.’ This role will be filled only by individuals of exceptional intellect.
Artificial intelligence will be the next industrial revolution, comparable in impact to the rise of the internet, but on a larger scale and with broader reach. It could eventually account for up to 25% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). We currently lead China and other nations in this domain, and my goal is to maintain this advantage indefinitely."
Commentary: This post reveals Trump’s framing of artificial intelligence primarily through the lens of domestic political polarization, then extending into great-power technological competition. He elevates policy disagreements between parties over AI regulation into a narrative of a Democratic plot to “destroy the AI industry”—a formulation steeped in electoral rhetoric.
At the same time, Trump outlines his own vision for AI governance: emulating the creation of the Space Force by proposing a so-called AI Force and establishing a new position of AI Czar, with a specific emphasis on recruiting high-IQ personnel. Notably, the idea of forming an “AI Force” modeled after the Space Force reflects a recurring pattern in Trump’s thinking: the tendency to frame emerging technologies within military and national competition paradigms. Elevating AI to a status akin to a formal military branch suggests that the United States may accelerate the militarization of artificial intelligence in the future. His insistence on preserving America’s lead further underscores how, in the eyes of U.S. political leaders, AI is no longer merely a technology sector—it has become a central arena in geopolitical rivalry.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876794533789769/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.