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Trump facing AI backlash in Congress as push for guardrails intensifies
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- DeepHorus
Donald Trump is facing a rare backlash from the US Congress as Democrats and some Republicans push for guardrails on powerful AI companies. Concerns reached fever pitch this week after tech leaders warned about rapid advancement and threats to humanity. On Monday, Trump dismissed the anxieties on social media as a "HOAX" and "conspiracy." He insisted the only guardrails AI needs is a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT."
The 80-year-old president, who has sidelined Congress on many issues in his second term, looks increasingly isolated. Members of both major parties acknowledge the risks and want to act before it is too late. Democratic congressman Don Beyer of Virginia said history will look very poorly on Trump's tweet. He added that Trump is "being really foolish," possibly "catastrophically foolish."
Recent surveys by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation found strong bipartisan support for regulation. Eighty-five percent of Democrats and 79% of Republicans want a new federal agency to monitor and regulate AI. Eighty-two percent of Democrats and 78% of Republicans favor government safety tests for AI making critical decisions.
While many politicians agree on the need to act, they are divided on what intervention should look like. Some fear a pause on AI development could allow China to take the lead in the AI race. That concern could undermine efforts to impose stricter oversight.
The backlash marks a notable shift in Washington, where AI has become a defining policy issue. Trump's dismissal of the risks has put him at odds with industry leaders and lawmakers from both parties. The coming months may determine whether Congress can translate bipartisan concern into concrete legislation.
For now, the debate highlights the tension between innovation, national security, and public safety. Lawmakers face pressure to respond to public opinion while avoiding measures that might cede technological leadership. The outcome will shape the future of AI governance in the United States.
