President Trump said artificial intelligence could be bigger than the internet, as he pushed for a hands-off approach to regulating the technology and defended the rapid construction of data centers and power plants to support it.
Trump made the comments while discussing AI's potential. He argued that AI's impact could surpass that of the internet, a comparison he drew without offering specifics. He also claimed the United States is far ahead of China in the AI race.
A light regulatory touch
Trump said he favors light-touch regulation for AI. He argued that too many rules could slow the technology's development. His stance fits with his broader push for deregulation across industries.
The president didn't lay out which rules he'd change, but his tone suggests he wants to keep federal oversight minimal. That approach has drawn support from some tech companies that worry about compliance costs, though no such companies were named in his remarks.
Building out for AI
Trump defended the rapid construction of data centers and power plants, saying the infrastructure needs to keep pace with AI's growth. He didn't address specific environmental concerns, but his comments signal a willingness to expedite projects.
The push for speed is a shift from the usual permitting process, which can take years. Trump didn't mention any changes to that process, but he made clear he wants to remove obstacles.
The China comparison
Trump said the U.S. is far ahead of China in AI. He didn't provide evidence for that claim, but it's central to his argument for keeping rules light. He framed the competition as a reason to move quickly.
That framing has become a familiar part of his public comments on AI. The claim of a wide lead is hard to verify, but it helps justify the urgency he attaches to the issue.
Trump's remarks come as the White House has yet to release a formal AI policy. How the U.S. will balance innovation with oversight remains an open question.
