Trump allies want to "Make America First in AI" with sweeping executive order

Allies of former President Donald Trump have drafted a comprehensive AI executive order aiming to enhance military technology and ease regulations on AI development, potentially signaling a significant shift in AI policy if Trump returns to office in 2025. The draft order proposes creating "Manhattan Projects" for military AI advancements and calls for a review of regulations hindering AI development. It also suggests establishing "industry-led" agencies to evaluate AI models and protect systems from foreign threats, benefiting tech companies collaborating with the Pentagon. The conservative Heritage Foundation is also developing AI policies for a potential second Trump term, focusing on boosting AI research in the US and limiting China's access to the technology. Trump's campaign has not officially endorsed these policies, but they align with the Republican party's 2024 platform supporting AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing. Silicon Valley is witnessing shifting political alliances, with some tech executives and venture capitalists who previously supported Democrats now backing Trump. Trump's recent announcement of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate has energized supporters of rapid AI development, despite Vance's mixed views on AI regulation and support for open source AI.