OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly endorsed President-elect Donald Trump, expressing optimism that Trump’s administration will support advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Altman joins a growing chorus of tech leaders who believe that the U.S. should be at the forefront of AI development, staving off competition from global rivals like China.
Altman’s endorsement comes on the back of a recent Fox News Sunday interview, where he emphasized the need for robust AI infrastructure, including powerful computers, advanced chips, and expansive data centers. “We need to build that here and have the best AI infrastructure in the world,” Altman stated, expressing confidence that President-elect Trump would be instrumental in making this a reality.
According to Altman, AI is poised to revolutionize industries and societies, and the U.S. and its allies should be the ones leading this transformation. The OpenAI CEO referred to the current juncture as an “unusually important moment in the history of technology,” underscoring the need for the U.S. to spearhead the development of AI.
The post-election period has seen Altman advocating for partnerships between the incoming administration and Silicon Valley. Other tech honchos, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, have also indicated a willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration.
Despite a tumultuous history with Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but later left the organization and criticized Altman’s leadership, the two appear to be on the same page when it comes to U.S. technological leadership. Among other roles, Musk currently heads Trump’s Chief Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, Altman acknowledges the regulatory challenges that come with AI. Vice President-elect JD Vance has expressed concerns regarding the potential for big tech companies like OpenAI and Meta to exploit regulations to reinforce their market positions and stifle smaller competitors.
Altman counters this view, arguing that regulations should foster innovation rather than inhibit it, particularly from smaller companies that often drive significant breakthroughs. He emphasized the unique ability of the U.S. to lead in innovation and stressed that regulations should not hamper the growth of small companies.
While excited about the transformative potential of AI in areas like medical diagnoses and personalized tutoring, Altman also voiced concerns about the potential downsides of AI technology. He warned that while AI might improve some jobs, it could render others obsolete. He also highlighted the risk of malicious actors exploiting AI for harmful purposes such as hacking or creating security threats.
Altman lauded the strides made by countries like Singapore, Japan, and Switzerland in crypto and AI regulations, stating that these advancements lend legitimacy to these industries and are integral to sustainable growth and innovation.
Despite the challenges, Altman remains committed to ensuring that AI development aligns with democratic values and societal benefits. His collaborative approach with the Trump administration is anchored in their shared goal of constructing the infrastructure and policies required to keep America at the forefront of AI.
As Altman succinctly put it, “The United States and our allies need to lead this.” With Trump at the helm, Altman is betting on a vision of AI that bolsters America’s position as a global technology leader.
