Executive Order in the Works
Donald Trump’s allies are reportedly crafting plans for a sweeping executive order aimed at advancing U.S. interests in artificial intelligence (AI) military technology. This initiative, reminiscent of the historic Manhattan Project, seeks to create industry-led agencies focused on developing and protecting AI models from foreign threats, as reported by The Washington Post.
“Make America First in AI”
The proposed framework includes a section titled “Make America First in AI,” aligning with Trump’s previous commitments to bolster American leadership in technological fields. The order will call for the establishment of specialized agencies to rigorously study AI advancements and ensure their security.
Key Players and Beneficiaries
Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former chief economic advisor and current head of the America First Policy Institute, is believed to be significantly involved in these plans. This initiative is expected to benefit prominent tech donors, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Musk, who endorsed Trump in July, has pledged $45 million to a new super PAC called America PAC, which enjoys substantial support from Silicon Valley. This financial backing underscores the symbiotic relationship between Trump’s political ambitions and his tech industry allies.
GOP vs. Biden’s AI Regulations
Republicans have consistently criticized President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, which mandates tech companies to disclose the risks of their AI models to the federal government. Biden’s order also limits the government’s use of AI in high-risk scenarios and includes measures to scrutinize potentially harmful AI practices in healthcare.
The GOP platform states, “We will repeal Joe Biden’s dangerous Executive Order that hinders AI innovation and imposes radical leftwing ideas on the development of this technology. In its place, Republicans support AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing.”
The America First Policy Institute’s Stance
Despite the ambitious plans, Hilton Beckham, a spokeswoman for the America First Policy Institute, clarified to The Washington Post that the draft does not represent the organization’s official position nor the views of the Republican Party.
Historical Context
In 2019, the Trump Administration launched the American AI Initiative through Executive Order 13859. This order aimed to “develop and implement an action plan to protect the advantage of the United States in AI and technology critical to U.S. economic and national security interests against strategic competitors and foreign adversaries.”
The order also directed key officials, including the Secretary of Defense, to prioritize the allocation of high-performance computing resources for AI-related applications.
Looking Ahead
As Trump’s allies push forward with their plans for AI military tech “Manhattan Projects,” the initiative is set to reignite debates on the balance between innovation, security, and ethical considerations in AI development. With influential tech figures like Elon Musk backing the effort, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of AI policy and military technology in the United States.
