Trump calls AI 'bigger than the internet' and pushes for light regulation

Trump says AI could outpace the internet in significance

President Donald Trump stated that artificial intelligence (AI) might become "bigger than the internet" and called for regulations that do not hinder the industry’s growth. He made these remarks during a White House event with crypto executives and financial regulators ahead of the CFTC’s Innovation Advisory Committee meeting.

Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S. lead over China in AI development. He also defended the rapid construction of data centers and power plants, which are needed to support AI infrastructure.

Key statements from Trump’s remarks

• Trump described AI as potentially "bigger than the internet, bigger than anything anyone’s seen."
• He argued that regulations should not stifle the AI industry while the U.S. competes with China.
• Trump mentioned that AI would likely be discussed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit on September 24.
• He supported allowing AI companies to build their own power plants to supply data centers, rather than relying on the existing electrical grid.

Why Trump supports minimal AI regulation

Trump’s administration is pushing to keep the U.S. ahead of China in AI by accelerating infrastructure projects. The president argued that excessive regulation could slow down innovation and weaken the country’s competitive edge.

He also addressed concerns about the environmental and community impact of AI data centers, stating that the U.S. needs to move quickly to maintain its leadership in the field.

What is confirmed

• Trump made these statements during a White House gathering with crypto executives and financial regulators.
• The event took place ahead of the CFTC’s first Innovation Advisory Committee meeting.
• Trump confirmed that AI would be a topic of discussion during Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit.

What remains unclear

• The specific regulatory approach the administration plans to take for AI is not detailed.
• No timeline was provided for the construction of new data centers or power plants.
• It is unclear how the administration will balance AI growth with environmental and community concerns.

Why this matters for the tech and crypto industries

Trump’s stance on AI regulation could shape the future of technological innovation in the U.S. A light-touch regulatory approach may encourage faster development of AI and related industries, including blockchain and crypto. However, concerns about energy use and local impacts could lead to debates over how to sustain this growth.

Sources

• Decrypt