OpenAI CEO Sam Altman extends an olive branch to President-elect Donald Trump, urging investment in artificial intelligence to keep America competitive.
At a Glance
- Sam Altman calls for Trump to invest in AI infrastructure to maintain U.S. global leadership
- Altman agrees with Trump’s stance against bureaucratic obstacles hindering innovation
- OpenAI CEO emphasizes the need for significant resources like power and data centers for AI development
- Altman expresses willingness to collaborate with Trump’s team despite past criticisms
Altman’s Vision for AI Under Trump
In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has voiced his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s potential to lead the United States into a new era of artificial intelligence dominance. Despite previous criticisms, Altman sees an opportunity for significant progress in AI development under Trump’s leadership, particularly in addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that have long impeded innovation in the tech sector.
Altman’s endorsement of Trump’s approach to reducing regulatory barriers aligns with his vision for accelerating AI progress in America. The OpenAI chief has been vocal about the challenges faced by tech companies in building essential infrastructure for AI development, including power plants and data centers.
Sam Altman sides with Trump in opposing bureaucratic blocks to building AI infrastructure https://t.co/bQW0zWE1aw
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) January 6, 2025
Infrastructure and Investment Needs
Altman has highlighted the critical need for substantial investments in AI infrastructure to maintain America’s competitive edge. He argues that current regulations and bureaucratic processes have hindered the development of crucial facilities necessary for AI advancement.
“The thing I really deeply agree with the President on is, it is wild how difficult it has become to build things in the United States. Power plants, data centers, any of that kind of stuff. I understand how bureaucratic cruft builds up, but it’s not helpful to the country in general,” Altman said.
The OpenAI CEO has been actively working to address these challenges, aiming to raise trillions of dollars to tackle the global chip shortage and enhance AI capabilities. His efforts include engaging with international investors and critiquing existing initiatives like the CHIPS Act, which he believes have fallen short of expectations.
Trump’s AI Agenda
President-elect Trump has already signaled his commitment to advancing AI technology in the United States. He has announced plans to repeal a 2023 executive order by Joe Biden on AI safeguards, viewing it as a hindrance to innovation. Additionally, Trump has secured a $100 billion AI investment from SoftBank, which is expected to create 100,000 jobs.
“[AI] is a superpower and you want to be right at the beginning of it. But it is very disconcerting … It brings with it difficulty, but we have to be at the forefront. It’s going to happen, and if it’s going to happen, we have to take the lead over China,” Trump said.
The incoming administration has also appointed David Sacks as the “AI & Crypto Czar,” further emphasizing its focus on technological advancement. Elon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI and a prominent figure in the tech industry, is expected to play a significant advisory role in shaping AI policies under Trump’s leadership.
Collaboration Amid Controversy
Altman’s willingness to work with Trump’s administration comes despite past differences and ongoing legal disputes with fellow tech leader Elon Musk. The OpenAI CEO has expressed his admiration for Musk’s contributions to the field, demonstrating a commitment to prioritize AI development over personal disagreements.
