On January 23rd, in a report by CNBC, it was disclosed that prior to his inauguration, President Trump engaged in an extensive dialogue with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The primary focus of their conversation revolved around the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the critical need for its advancement within the United States. In their discussions, Trump expressed a strong commitment to fostering AI development domestically instead of allowing other nations to take the lead. This initiative underscores the potential impact of AI on job creation and the enhancement of public trust in governmental capabilities.
Following his inauguration, Trump swiftly shifted focus to AI advocacy. On the next day, he unveiled a collaborative project aimed at channeling billions of dollars into American AI infrastructure, partnering with tech giants such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. Altman’s participation is particularly significant given his ongoing legal disputes with Elon Musk, a key advisor to Trump and a primary financial backer of his 2024 re-election efforts. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, affiliated with the organization since its inception as a non-profit in 2015, highlights the intricate relationships shaping the future of the AI landscape.