Trump Rejects AI Slowdown
Trump and Mike Johnson opposed slowing AI development, warning China could gain an edge.
September 13, 2026 · Updated Sep 13, 8:16pm ET
MS NOWTrump, Mike Johnson cite China as both downplay AI doom warnings
FortuneWhile Barack Obama urges Democrats to make AI a campaign issue, Trump downplays the need to slow development despite dire warnings
FOX NewsMike Johnson rejects AI moratorium over China threat as conservative activist demands guardrails
Seattle TimesTop Lawmakers Agree AI’s Risks Are Rising but Say They Have No Quick Fix
UPITrump dismisses calls for AI development slowdown as concerns mount
New York PostTrump brushes off AI doom predictions as ‘things that won’t happen,’ says US must push ahead: ‘Whoever wins AI, wins.’
Al JazeeraTrump dismisses calls for AI slowdown from leading tech CEOs
Associated PressTrump downplays the need to check AI development and says he doesn't want to cede edge to China
Epoch TimesTrump, Top Lawmakers React to Calls for AI Slowdown
SalonIf AI kills us, don't blame the machine
BBC NewsTrump downplays AI risks after dire expert warnings and calls to slow development down
Washington TimesWarning of AI doomsday ‘swarm’ sparks push to slam the brakes on the superhuman technology
CNBCWashington scrambles to meet calls for AI guardrails while the window to act closes
Daily SignalTrump: ‘Very Negative Forces’ Raising Exaggerated Concerns Over AI
Straight Arrow NewsJohnson calls for AI industry meeting as debate grows over pace of development
NPRTrump downplays calls for AI slowdown
USA TODAYHouse Speaker Johnson says Congress shouldn't lead AI safety efforts
26%
Left · 5
42%
Center · 8
32%
Right · 6
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
After industry slowdown calls, Trump downplayed tighter AI checks during an Ireland trip. He said the U.S. leads China and wants to keep it because “whoever wins AI, wins.” He said some guardrails could be considered, without details, and blamed dire warnings on unidentified “negative forces.” Recent alarms include Jacob CoxonJacob CoxonBritish AI researcher’s Anthropic resignation and slowdown calls from leaders tied to Anthropic, OpenAI and xAI. Mike Johnson
Mike JohnsonSpeaker of the United States House of Representatives rejected a moratorium; Ted Cruz
Ted CruzAmerican politician (born 1970) is pursuing a catastrophic-risk bill. Hakeem Jeffries
Hakeem JeffriesAmerican politician (born 1970) says Johnson is too slow; Johnson says rushing could help China.
How the left told it
Left-leaning coverage framed Trump as putting the China race ahead of urgent safety warnings. Al Jazeera and MS NOW said he downplayed AI risks while stressing the need to beat China. The Seattle Times noted he accepted some regulation but gave no rules. Coverage also emphasized pressure on Congress: the Seattle Times said both House leaders backed guardrails, while MS NOW said Johnson left any slowdown to companies.
How the right told it
Right-leaning coverage stressed that safety steps should not hand China an opening. Fox News and the New York Post highlighted Johnson’s rejection of an emergency moratorium and his argument that the U.S. cannot cede ground to China. The New York Post said Trump called beating China the most important goal, while Epoch Times said he noted the U.S. is leading China and guardrails are an option. Epoch Times also noted Ted Cruz’s warning that some AI risks are dangerous and frightening.
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