Full Breakdown
Trump Calls AI Existential Threat a “Hoax” Amid Cabinet Split Over Regulation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to dismiss growing warnings that artificial-intelligence systems could pose an existential danger. The statement arrived while reports indicate a split within his administration over whether and how to regulate AI development.
Background & Context
According to reporting in *The Atlantic*, senior officials hold divergent views. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appear open to regulatory measures, whereas Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick favors minimal government interference. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has even cut ties with Anthropic after the company refused to remove safeguards against mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s post framed AI fears alongside the Russia investigation and his impeachments, suggesting they are part of a broader “hoax” narrative. Senate Majority Leader Bernie Sanders announced a bipartisan briefing and joined a “Pro-Human Assembly,” warning that Trump’s dismissal of AI risks is “extremely dangerous.” Republican Senator Ted Cruz also called for “far tougher rules” on AI development. An unnamed ally cited to *The Atlantic* that Trump worries a pause in AI growth could trigger an economic slowdown, threatening the market gains he touts as his record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “AI taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX,” — Donald Trump, even as president
*The article reflects commentary and reported statements rather than established factual consensus, as the source material consists primarily of opinion-laden reporting.*