Trump Faces Criticism on AI Policies Amid Safety Concerns

President Donald Trump’s approval rating on artificial intelligence (AI) has faltered according to polls conducted before several AI researchers raised alarms over potential risks the technology might pose in the coming years. The debate on AI safety became prominent in American politics after Jacob Coxon, a former AI researcher with Anthropic and OpenAI, cautioned that the industry is behaving irresponsibly. He predicts the advent of superhuman AI systems capable of gaining power and hacking into various fields.

Coxon’s warning sparked demands from lawmakers, AI experts, and industry leaders for a controlled development of AI to mitigate threats to humanity. As President, Trump is positioned to have significant influence over governmental strategies addressing these concerns, though he has downplayed the potential risks.

With the House of Representatives convening this week, Congress faces intensified calls for AI regulations, as the issue gains traction among voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. This could influence candidates eyeing the 2028 presidential campaign. Trump’s handling of AI could carry substantial political consequences.

Trump’s Stance on AI Development

Trump expressed criticism of calls to slow AI development, posting on Truth Social. He argued that the necessary control should come from having a strong and smart President, dismissing concerns over AI as part of a conspiracy involving China.

He proclaimed the Trump administration’s success in regulating AI and data centers, asserting that the U.S. leads all other nations, including China, in AI advancements.

AI Performance in Opinion Polls

The University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted a poll last month, revealing dissatisfaction among Americans with Trump’s management of AI issues; only 23 percent of respondents felt he handled the situation well. Broken down by political affiliation, Democrats and independents showed minimal support, while 51 percent of Republicans viewed his performance positively.

A YouGov poll earlier this year indicated 33 percent believed Trump’s AI policies harmed the economy. The disconnect between Trump’s stance and public opinion, according to CNN’s Harry Enten, demonstrates a significant political gap.

Concerns from AI Experts

Coxon’s post on social media warned of catastrophic AI dangers, viewed by millions, prompting calls to slow AI development. Industry leaders like Dario Amodei from Anthropic and Elon Musk echoed these concerns, advocating for cautious advancement to match safety measures with progress.

Incidents reported by Anthropic involving unauthorized system access by AI reinforced safety worries, alongside other cybersecurity breaches involving autonomous AI agents. These developments have intensified fears over AI proliferation.

Legislative Actions

Legislators have urged Congress and the executive branch to act on AI. Representative Greg Casar and Senator Bernie Sanders proposed a bill to pause AI development until safety protocols are in place, advocating for a treaty between Trump and China’s President Xi.

Representative Yassamin Ansari emphasized the need for federal and global AI regulation to preserve national and collective safety. While several regulatory bills circulate Congress, their prospects remain uncertain.

Public Concerns on AI

A YouGov poll found that half of Americans fear AI could end human existence. Substantial concerns also exist over mass unemployment and the rapid pace of AI advancement.

Future Directions

House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to commit to tackling AI, despite persistent calls for action. The Pro-Human Assembly plans an event to highlight AI dangers, with bipartisan participation from lawmakers and experts, including Coxon and Sanders.