Former Trump officials at the America First Policy Institute significantly contributed to the draft AI executive order, which hints at potential dramatic AI policy shifts under a second Trump administration, as reflected in the Republican party’s 2024 platform. (Source: Image by RR)

Initiatives Include “Manhattan Projects” for Military AI Capabilities

Allies of former President Donald Trump have drafted a sweeping AI executive order aimed at boosting military technology and reducing regulations on AI development. The Washington Post reported that this plan, titled “Make America First in AI,” includes initiatives such as “Manhattan Projects” to advance military AI capabilities and calls for a review of regulations deemed unnecessary. This draft order marks a significant shift from the Biden administration’s approach, which emphasized new safety testing requirements for advanced AI systems.

The proposed order suggests creating industry-led agencies to evaluate AI models and protect systems from foreign threats, benefiting tech companies already collaborating with the Pentagon, such as Palantir, Anduril, and Scale AI. The conservative Heritage Foundation is also developing its own AI policies as part of Project 2025, a blueprint for a potential second Trump term. These policies, as reported in arstechnica.com, aim to enhance AI research and development in the United States while restricting China’s access to the technology.

Former Trump officials at the America First Policy Institute played a key role in crafting the draft order, though the institute has stated that the draft does not represent its official position. The Republican Party’s 2024 platform includes plans to repeal President Biden’s executive order on AI, which they claim hinders AI innovation, and replace it with policies that support AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing. This aligns with the shifting political support in Silicon Valley, with some tech executives and venture capitalists now backing Trump.

Trump has announced Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election, a move that has energized supporters of rapid AI development. Vance, known for his venture capital background and ties to Silicon Valley figures, has voiced opposition to AI regulation and support for open-source AI. The evolving political landscape highlights the deeply political nature of AI, with various stakeholders holding divergent views on the technology’s future and impact.

read more at arstechnica.com