Trump dismisses AI guardrails, calling concerns a 'conspiracy'

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump dismissed the push for new guardrails to protect Americans from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and warned of "a SICK conspiracy" that is turning people against AI and data centers in the United States.

Trump made the comments in a Sept. 14 post on Truth Social as he lashed out against Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who raised concerns about the unchecked pace of AI development and called for new guardrails in an essay published over the weekend.

"The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!" Trump said. "The Trump Administration has stopped AI 'people' from doing bad, or potentially bad, 'things,' like Dario (Anthropic!), who is now pretending to be a 'perfect little angel' - and we will continue to do so!"

Two other AI leaders, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI founder Elon Musk, quickly endorsed Amodei's suggestions in separate social media posts.

Trump's position marked rare discord with top leaders of an AI industry that he's aligned himself with politically and supported during his second White House term.

"We already have tremendous CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power over these companies!" Trump wrote. "There is a SICK conspiracy going on against AI and Data Centers, and the only one that is happy about it is China. WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS! We are leading China, and all others, and will continue to do so. Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers, BEWARE!"

In a subsequent Truth Social post, Trump called fears about "AI taking over the World" and "destroying Humanity" a "HOAX."

'We must slow the pace,' Anthropic CEO says

Trump has remained a firm defender of AI amid questions about potential job displacement and other impacts from the technology. He has also supported data centers that power AI despite rising opposition to the expansion of the sprawling facilities in communities across the country. Trump has argued AI development in the United States is critical to maintain a competitive edge against China.

Trump in June signed an executive order establishing a framework for AI models to be reviewed by the government before they are released to the public, but the review process is voluntary, not mandatory.

In his essay, Amodei wrote that AI has the potential to cure diseases within the next decade, accelerate economic growth rates and help advance democracy and freedom. But he said he's becoming increasingly alarmed about risks including losing control of AI systems, the potential misuse of AI for cyberattacks and bioterrorism, and significant economic disruption.

"We must slow the pace at which we improve the capabilities of AI models," Amodei said, adding that AI is self-advancing so fast that it could "outrun our ability to understand and control these systems."

During a weekend trip to Ireland, where one of his golf courses hosted the Irish Open, Trump also brushed off concerns raised by Amodei and other AI leaders. Speaking to reporters, Trump accused "negative forces" of "bringing up things that won’t happen" regarding AI. He did not identify who he believes are the "negative forces."

VP Vance suggests AI leaders' concerns could be 'Trojan Horse'

Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for action in Congress in response to the tech leaders raising alarm. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia talked with Altman over the weekend, a spokeswoman of the senator confirmed to USA TODAY, to discuss Congress' role in pursuing regulations.

"We cannot wait for AI companies to self-regulate," Warner said. "They are raising every alarm. Congress must act this week to meet the rapidly developing threat landscape posed by AI. Let’s take bipartisan action NOW to meet this moment."

But Vice President JD Vance, similar to Trump, expressed skepticism about the concerns of AI leaders as he addressed reporters on Sept. 14.

"I have to say, just personally, I feel a little bit weird about the fact that you have so many frontier AI tech companies kind of coming to the government and begging the government to regulate them," Vance said. "It just feels a little bit to me like a little bit of a Trojan Horse. So I think we have to be careful about this."

Vance said the accelerated growth of AI is "something we're concerned by" but added the administration wants to ensure AI is regulated "smartly." He said the best way to address potential new AI regulations would be for Congress and the White House to work together.

"Any new technology has risks. Any technology is going to bring both risks and benefits," he added. "I don't think Americans should be scared of anything."

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.