Trump Warns AI Slowdown Could Threaten U.S. Economy

ING estimates that AI-driven technology and data-center investment contributed roughly one-third of year-over-year U.S. economic growth in 2026. Goldman Sachs’ chief equity strategist told CNBC that AI spending is behind about half of profit growth across the S&P 500. Fitch Ratings modeled a scenario in which a sharp decline in U.S. equity prices—about a 35 % drop over six months—would push GDP down 1.5 % the following year, potentially triggering a recession.

CNN

On September 17, protesters marched in San Francisco under a “Stop the AI Race” banner, calling for a slowdown in advanced-AI development. The demonstration reflects broader public unease about the concentration of AI-related capital and its societal implications.

CNN

Olu Sonola, U.S. head of economic research at Fitch Ratings, warned that “if the music stops, and if it stops in a big, big way, it’s likely that we’re going to end up in stagnation or outright contraction over a period of at least a year.” Jessica Wachter, a finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, noted that “what we’re seeing is very unusual, and so it does make sense that people are concerned about it,” while still viewing AI as a potential stabilizing force for jobs and growth.

CNN

• “If the music stops, and if it stops in a big, big way, it’s likely that we’re going to end up in stagnation or outright contraction over a period of at least a year,” — Olu Sonola, US head of economic research at Fitch Ratings

CNN

• “We have this ecosystem that’s spun up around AI,” — John Sedunov, a finance professor at Villanova University

CNN

• “What we’re seeing is very unusual, and so it does make sense that people are concerned about it,” — Jessica Wachter, a finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School

CNN