Former President Donald Trump's allies are crafting a sweeping policy brief that could dramatically reshape America's approach to AI development and regulation.
The proposed plan, titled "Make America First in AI," aims to launch a series of "Manhattan Projects" focused on military technology while simultaneously rolling back what it deems "unnecessary and burdensome regulations" in the AI sector. This ambitious framework signals a potential shift in AI policy that would likely favor Silicon Valley investors and companies should Trump return to the White House.
The proposed policy starkly contrasts the Biden administration's current approach to AI governance. Last year, President Biden issued an executive order leveraging emergency powers to subject next-generation AI systems to rigorous safety testing. However, the Republican Party has now adopted a platform that includes repealing Biden's AI executive order, arguing that it creates regulatory burdens that stifle innovation. "We will repeal Joe Biden's dangerous Executive Order that hinders AI Innovation, and imposes Radical Leftwing ideas on the development of this technology," the GOP platform states.
At the heart of the Trump allies' plan is a focus on military applications of AI technology.
The framework calls for increased investment in AI for defense purposes, potentially benefiting tech companies already contracting with the Pentagon, such as Anduril, Palantir, and Scale. This emphasis on military AI development aligns with the broader "America First" ideology and seeks to position the United States as a global leader in AI technology. The plan also proposes creating "industry-led" agencies to evaluate AI models and secure systems from foreign adversaries, suggesting a preference for private sector leadership in AI governance.
The drafting of this executive order comes as Trump has been making greater overtures to Silicon Valley.
Recently, he appeared on the "All-In Podcast," hosted by prominent tech investors, and attended a fundraiser at the home of podcast co-host and former PayPal executive David Sacks. These moves indicate a growing alignment between Trump and certain segments of the tech industry, particularly those who view current AI regulations as overly restrictive.
Trump's Big Tech allies believe these policy ideas will unleash American innovation and ensure the country's technological dominance on the global stage. The GOP platform asserts, "Republicans support AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing," framing the issue as one of freedom versus government overreach.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the stark differences between the Trump allies' proposed AI strategy and the Biden administration's current approach highlight the growing importance of technology policy in national politics.
The outcome of Election 2024 will have far-reaching implications for the future of AI development and regulation in the United States. With Silicon Valley investors increasingly throwing their support behind Trump, the tech industry's role in shaping AI policy is likely to remain a contentious and closely watched issue in the coming months.
You can read more about this policy development in this article from the Washington Post's Cat Zakrzewski here.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
