Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are aligned on at least one thing.
They both say they recognize the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. However, their approaches differ significantly.
Vice President Harris, who’s likely to face off against Trump after President Biden’s exit from the race, has emphasized AI ethics, transparency, and global cooperation in public remarks.
Former President Trump, conversely, has focused on AI’s potential economic and strategic advantages, with his circle advocating major investments for military applications.
Kamala Harris on AI
Harris stresses the dual nature of AI with opportunities and perils. While she’s highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and climate change mitigation, she’s also lamented biased algorithms, privacy violations, and misinformation.
She’s called for sweeping measures to manage the risks and ensure AI is equitable. The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced binding requirements for federal agencies using AI tools. This includes annual transparency reports and chief AI officer designations within agencies to oversee use.
Harris advocates for new laws and regulations for AI risk management, including the establishment of the U.S. AI Safety Institute, a national safety reporting program for AI in healthcare, and requirements for tech companies to help consumers spot AI-generated content.
She has called for a collective global effort to address AI risks. She proposes international cooperation to create global norms for AI that prioritize transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.
Trump on AI
Trump’s focus on AI has been less prominent, but his positions can be discerned from various statements and policy positions. The former president has expressed concern about the economic implications of AI and automation, stressing the need to protect American jobs and industries.
According to reports, Trump’s allies are pushing for significant investments in AI for military uses. Discussions center on initiating a major program, akin to the Manhattan Project, to advance U.S. AI capabilities in defense. There’s also reportedly a push within his circle for executive action to enhance AI capabilities in federal operations for national security and defense applications.
Elon Musk, who’s investing heavily in AI while also warning of its dangers, has fully endorsed Trump. The former president has softened his stance on electric vehicles, though he says he’ll rollback subsidies and emissions standards that encourage more EV car production.