President Donald Trump dismissed calls to increase controls on artificial intelligence as a 'sick conspiracy', as AI-linked stocks slumped following weekend appeals from leading developers for the industry to slow down.
Key facts
- Trump called demands for more AI controls a 'sick conspiracy'.
- Stocks linked to AI fell after developers appealed for the industry to slow down.
- Leaders at Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX backed calls to limit 'reckless' development.
- Trump argued current oversight is adequate and that regulation could let China win the AI race.
US President Donald Trump has dismissed calls to increase controls on artificial intelligence as a ‘sick conspiracy’, responding to weekend appeals from leading developers for the industry to slow down. According to the Guardian, the president’s comments came as stocks linked to the technology slumped.
Writing on social media, Trump said: ‘The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the USA has that, in spades!’ The remarks signalled his opposition to tighter regulation of the sector.
The president was responding to a call over the weekend from leaders at Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX, who backed appeals for the industry to limit what the Guardian described as ‘reckless’ development.
AI-linked stocks fell following those appeals, according to the Guardian, reflecting investor unease over the prospect of a slowdown in one of the market’s most closely watched sectors.
Al Jazeera reported that Trump argued current oversight of AI is adequate, and warned that additional regulations could allow China to win the international competition to develop the technology.
The exchange highlights a growing divide between some of the industry’s most prominent developers, who are urging caution, and the White House, which has framed heavy regulation as a threat to US competitiveness.
Why it matters
The clash pits some of the AI industry's own leaders, who are urging restraint, against a president who views regulation as a competitive risk against China. With AI-linked stocks sliding, the debate over how tightly to control the technology carries significant consequences for markets and global technology policy.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump say about AI controls?
Trump called calls for more AI controls a 'sick conspiracy' and said the only guardrails AI needs are 'a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT', arguing current oversight is adequate.
Why did AI-linked stocks fall?
According to the Guardian, stocks linked to AI slumped after leading developers appealed over the weekend for the industry to slow down.
Which companies backed calls to limit AI development?
Leaders at Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX backed calls to limit what was described as 'reckless' AI development.