Should Donald Trump successfully secure the US presidency, it’s believed significant changes could be brought to the country’s approach to AI development. A proposition known as the “Make America First in AI” policy document has been created by a group of Trump allies. It is intended as a basis for an executive order, and if enacted, it would dramatically reverse many of the AI restrictions introduced by the Biden administration.
The implications of the policy offer a breath of fresh air to key players in Silicon Valley who felt the brunt of AI regulations last year. From Biden’s 2021 executive order on AI, regulations were imposed to curb perceived AI threats towards areas like privacy, civil rights, and national security. Federal agencies were prompted to regulate AI with the introduction of these rules.
The GOP, however, is vehemently against the restrictions, arguing they are detrimental to AI innovation and burdened by politically charged biases. The party proposes that AI development should be nurtured in an environment characterized by free speech and human flourishing.
However, such propositions may be cause for alarm among those concerned with the safe use and development of AI technologies. Despite these fears, the potential policy switch is appealing to Big Tech AI developers. Defense tech companies such as Palantir and Anduril are among those hoping the policy could enhance the integration of AI technologies within the Pentagon’s strategies and weaponry.
One stance that supports this move includes Palantir CEO Alex Karp’s claim that the US should pursue AI weaponry regardless of the potential risks. Karp warns against dangerously slow debates about adopting such technologies amidst an environment where adversaries will not hesitate to utilize AI for military and national security purposes.
In response to this potential turn of the tide, some Silicon Valley executives are starting to favor Trump, especially due to the allure of tech industry deregulation. JD Vance, a former tech venture capitalist, has been selected by Trump as a running mate—another enticing cue to the tech community.
High-profile figures such as Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Bill Ackman have openly shown their approval for Trump and Vance. If Trump’s election chances manifest and the “Make America First in AI” policy is passed, the year 2025 could see unrestrained advancement in AI development— steered by the industry itself, free from bureaucratic interference.
