President Donald Trump said the risks posed by artificial intelligence can be managed and signaled he is open to some safeguards, provided they do not leave the U.S. trailing China, Reuters reported Sunday. The remarks matter for AI developers and the companies deploying their models because they come as Democrats prepare their own AI legislation for the next Congress.
What Happened
In an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," Trump was asked whether the U.S. should accept the risks of AI to stay ahead of China. He said the dangers are manageable and added, "I don't mind guardrails," according to Reuters.
Trump also expressed openness to working with Democrats on safeguards. But he said he did not want regulation to put the U.S. in "a deep second position" behind China, which he said has no such restrictions.
He did not name a specific rule, bill or agency action. Reuters said the comments suggest some openness to safeguards, but it is unclear at what level.
Why It Matters
Trump has previously favored letting technology companies police themselves, Reuters noted. Any shift matters because Democrats are preparing a slate of AI bills, including proposals for independent testing of advanced models and clearer liability for AI companies, which The Primary Wire reported Friday, citing Reuters.
A Democratic majority would also bring oversight hearings and possible subpoenas for AI companies, as The Primary Wire reported last week, citing CNBC. For boards and executives, a president willing to sign some safeguards would raise the odds that federal obligations on AI developers and deployers become law rather than staying voluntary.
His framing also sets the test any proposal would likely face from the White House: whether it slows U.S. companies relative to Chinese rivals.
What to Watch
Watch whether the White House endorses specific measures, such as independent model testing or incident reporting, once the new Congress convenes in January, and whether Democratic bill sponsors cite the president's remarks.
