At UN, Trump likens AI warnings to climate 'hoax,' spurns international controls
In a UN General Assembly speech, President Trump rejected international AI regulation, comparing concerns about AI to what he called the 'hoax' of climate change. He proposed renaming artificial intelligence as 'super intelligence,' arguing the term 'artificial' sounds fake. Trump also dismissed climate change warnings, repeating his past claims that they have not come true.
The president's remarks follow a social media poll he launched days earlier, offering followers three alternative names for AI. His second term has already seen the rollback of emissions rules and significant cuts to climate research funding, reflecting a consistent approach to both issues.
Trump's stance diverges from executives at major AI firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, who have recently urged more oversight. He characterized AI development as a race where the first to achieve mastery gains the advantage, comparing its potential impact to the industrial revolution.
Trump's rejection of international AI controls could accelerate deployment without coordinated safety measures. Nations and corporations may pursue competitive advantages, potentially amplifying concerns about bias, misinformation, and autonomous decision-making. Researchers and oversight bodies may struggle to keep pace with rapid advancement, while presidential rhetoric could shape public perception of both AI governance and climate science.