President Trump has dismissed calls from leading technology CEOs to slow the pace of artificial intelligence development, downplaying the risks and stressing the need to keep the United States ahead of China.
Key facts
- Trump dismissed calls from leading tech CEOs for an AI slowdown.
- He downplayed the risks associated with AI.
- Trump said he wants to maintain the US lead over China in the technology.
- The comments were reported by Al Jazeera on September 13, 2026.
President Donald Trump has rejected appeals from some of the technology industry’s most prominent executives to slow the development of artificial intelligence, according to Al Jazeera. Rather than embracing calls for caution, Trump downplayed the risks associated with the fast-moving technology.
At the center of his reasoning, according to the report, is competition with China. Trump said he wants the United States to maintain its lead over China in the emerging field, framing continued rapid development as a matter of national advantage.
The stance places Trump at odds with the leading tech CEOs who have urged a more measured approach. While the executives have called for a slowdown, the president signaled he sees little reason to ease the pace of AI progress.
Al Jazeera reported the remarks on September 13, 2026. The outlet noted that Trump downplayed AI risks as part of his broader message about keeping the country competitive in the technology race.
The disagreement highlights a growing tension between parts of the technology sector and the White House over how quickly artificial intelligence should advance and what safeguards, if any, should accompany that growth.
Why it matters
How the US government approaches AI development affects everything from national security to the everyday products people use. A clash between the White House and tech leaders over the pace of the technology could shape regulation, investment and America's standing in a global race with China.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump say about AI development?
According to Al Jazeera, Trump dismissed calls from leading tech CEOs to slow AI development and downplayed the risks associated with the technology.
Why does Trump want to keep developing AI quickly?
Al Jazeera reported that Trump said he wants to maintain the United States' lead over China in the emerging technology.
Who wanted to slow AI down?
The source reports that leading tech CEOs called for an AI slowdown, though it does not name the specific executives.

