Trump Praises AI on Truth Social, Dismisses Critics as Foolish

Former U.S. President Donald Trump published a lengthy post on his self-created social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday, openly endorsing the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and asserting that opposing AI is tantamount to stupidity. These remarks have once again placed Trump at the forefront of the intersection between technology and politics, highlighting the divisions and challenges facing the United States in the global AI race.

In his post, Trump referred to AI as "gold," implying its boundless economic and strategic value. He noted that AI can enhance industrial efficiency, create new job opportunities, and even drive breakthroughs in the fields of national defense and healthcare. In response to voices advocating for stricter AI regulation and limitations on its applications, Trump dismissed such positions as "stupid," emphasizing that technological progress should not be hindered by political interference. This stance aligns with Trump’s historically pro-business attitude toward technology companies; he has repeatedly called for reduced regulation of tech giants and supported digital infrastructure and AI research during his presidency.

However, the rapid advancement of AI has simultaneously sparked multiple controversies regarding ethics, privacy, and employment security. Many experts warn that without effective regulation, AI could exacerbate social inequality, expand the scope of data surveillance, and potentially be utilized for autonomous weapons. The U.S. Congress has recently held multiple discussions on AI-related legislation, attempting to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting citizen rights. Trump’s comments not only reflect his enthusiasm for technological progress but may also be viewed as a challenge to current regulatory trends, further widening the partisan divide on AI policy.

On the international front, the United States is engaged in a fierce AI competition with major powers such as China and the European Union. The U.S. government has announced several initiatives aimed at ensuring the nation’s leading position in the field of artificial intelligence, including investments in fundamental research, the promotion of AI education, and the strengthening of international cooperation. Although Trump’s message comes from a former president, it can still influence public perception of AI and potentially impact upcoming elections and policy-making. If voters view technology as a key factor in their choice of candidates, Trump’s stance may become a significant issue.

Meanwhile, Trump’s frequent posts on social media remind the public that the trend of political figures using emerging platforms to deliver messages directly has become the norm. While this approach can quickly focus attention on specific issues, it may also undermine the neutrality and in-depth reporting capabilities of traditional media. For complex technologies with long-term implications like AI, the promotion of a single perspective often fails to present a comprehensive view of its benefits and drawbacks. If the United States continues to pursue an aggressive approach in AI policy, it may trigger further international discussions regarding security and ethics.

(Source: CNA)