Trump’s Trade War is Just Round 1: The Battle Ahead is about AI and Democracy
Don Lenihan
SOURCE :National Newswatch
- POSTED : March 12, 2025
Excerpt from article:
Trump’s AI Vision
Before Trump’s victory, his support in Silicon Valley was thin. The AI community leaned Democratic. Moguls like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk backed Trump because they believed Biden’s approach would slow AI development, allowing China to take the lead.
Court Painter & portrait of Peter Thiel
Court Painter & portrait of Elon Musk
In return for their support, they demanded that Trump repeal Biden’s Executive Order on AI and adopt a hands-off approach, particularly regarding safety regulations.
Any discussion of democracy and human rights has disappeared under Trump
Trump has complied. While the AI arms race with China remains central, any discussion of democracy and human rights has disappeared. Under Trump, America’s AI mission is simply to “dominate” global AI markets.
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric makes a mockery of the claim that America is protecting democracy.
This shift puts those concerned about democracy in direct opposition to the administration. Worse, Trump’s expansionist rhetoric makes a mockery of the claim that America is protecting democracy.
Basically, Trump’s anti-democratic behavior presents Silicon Valley with a stark choice: accept Trump’s agenda or make the case that America must defend democracy.
Some may find it strange to look to Silicon Valley for leadership on democracy, but if its CEOs fail to act, they risk losing the very market stability they rely on.
Remember this was a choice…so long ago!