Source: The Guardian

Donald Trump’s sons have been involved in AI-linked ventures that received significant federal contracts, including a $620 million Pentagon loan to Vulcan Elements, a $24 million robotics contract from the Marine Corps, and a separate Air Force drone contract not publicly disclosed. Michael Dell, a longtime Trump ally, secured a Pentagon contract valued at nearly $9 billion. Amid declining public support for artificial intelligence, the president publicly defended AI and data centers on social media, characterizing calls for AI guardrails as conspiratorial attacks while emphasizing the need for strong presidential control.

The Trump administration has resisted new AI regulations, citing concerns over international competitiveness, especially with China. David Sacks, co-chair of the president’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, has publicly dismissed calls for new rules on AI, arguing existing laws are largely sufficient. Meanwhile, some former AI researchers have voiced concerns about the risks of AI development. A cybersecurity company disclosed an AI-enabled worm capable of rapidly spreading via social networks. Polling data shows significant public opposition to AI datacenters in local communities and declining approval ratings for Trump’s handling of AI. In response, the House of Representatives voted to require datacenters to cover electricity grid upgrade expenses linked to their operations.