We Must Pair Rapid Innovation With Vigilant Safeguards and Oversight
Brendan Steinhauser | June 3, 2025
(The Washington Times) — President Trump’s commitment to ensuring the United States remains dominant in artificial intelligence innovation is critical to maintaining our country’s status as the superpower on the global stage. AI is not just a technological frontier; it will also rebuild the foundation of our economy, security and national strength. Still, leadership in AI requires more than ambition; it demands vigilance. Without strong safeguards, the technology that could elevate America will become a weapon in the wrong hands, threatening our nation and the world. As we stand on the cusp of advanced AI, America must prioritize security to protect our people and our values.
The potential of AI is immense. By transforming manufacturing and strengthening our military, AI can cement America’s position as the world’s preeminent power. Mr. Trump’s focus on keeping the U.S. at the forefront of this technology reflects a core principle: America must always come first. Yet, as we race toward advanced AI systems, we face a sobering truth: We are not fully prepared for the consequences. The rapid pace of development, combined with insufficient oversight, could lead to catastrophic outcomes, threatening our species as a whole.
The dangers are real and urgent. New models from frontier labs often surprise their researchers. What does that mean for the everyday user? Even worse, a malicious actor could use AI to create a bioweapon we cannot counter. The Chinese Communist Party could steal American AI technology and deploy it for massive cyberattacks against our infrastructure. In an existential scenario, an uncontrolled AI system could pursue its own objectives, disregarding human values and endangering humanity. These are not distant possibilities. They are plausible risks that demand immediate action. The advanced AI revolution requires preparedness and proactive measures. Waiting to act could be catastrophic to mankind later. We cannot afford to ignore the dangers of unchecked technology.
To secure America’s AI leadership, we must ensure our technology stays in the right hands. Although our relationships with our trading partners and allies are valuable, Big Tech must prioritize investment in domestic AI infrastructure. Our most critical innovations should remain in American hands and safe from adversaries who seek to exploit them. Advanced AI is inevitable, and we want to ensure that this technology is governed by a body that we, not our adversaries, can control. By putting American security first, we can create an environment where innovation thrives without compromising our sovereignty.
As the Trump administration develops its AI Action Plan, policymakers must recognize the need for robust safeguards. Advanced AI is rapidly approaching. Computing power is increasing exponentially. Oversight is not about stifling progress; it’s about ensuring AI serves America’s interests and protects our people. From Capitol Hill to state legislatures, decision-makers need clear, fact-based information about the risks and opportunities AI presents. The consequences of inaction could be dire, with economic disruption, national security threats and even human extinction.
The path forward requires a national commitment to AI safety. Policymakers should engage with experts, industry leaders and the public to build a framework that balances innovation with security. We need dialogue through public forums, media outreach and targeted campaigns that highlight the importance of responsible AI development. We must counter false narratives that downplay AI’s risks, ensuring the public and our leaders understand what is at stake.
America’s future depends on our ability to lead in AI while safeguarding our values. Mr. Trump’s vision for innovation is a call to action, but it must be paired with a resolve to protect our nation. By prioritizing security, we can harness AI’s potential to strengthen America’s economy, defend our homeland and preserve our way of life. The time to act is now, before the risks of advanced AI outpace our ability to manage them.
Brendan Steinhauser is CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI.
