Trump: AI Could Surpass the Internet, Calls for Light Rules

In recent remarks, former President Donald Trump said artificial intelligence “could be bigger than the internet” and urged lawmakers to adopt light-touch regulation that allows the technology to grow with minimal government interference.

He argued heavy-handed rules would slow innovation and investment and could push talent and capital overseas. Trump called for a regulatory approach that prioritizes flexibility and speed so developers are not hampered by extensive red tape.

Trump recommended that private companies and researchers lead development of AI and that existing agencies move cautiously when writing new rules. He also urged targeted regulations narrowly focused on clear risks rather than broad, prescriptive requirements.

He framed AI as an economic opportunity that could reshape industries and change labor markets and said the government should support research and training programs to help workers adapt while leaving technical standards and product development largely to the private sector.

The remarks come as federal agencies and members of Congress are exploring oversight frameworks for machine learning, large language models and related systems. Lawmakers and industry leaders are debating proposals on privacy protections, bias reduction, safety testing, transparency and private certification, while some officials press for stronger mandates to address misinformation, job displacement and security vulnerabilities.

Industry figures and some policymakers have proposed a mix of oversight and voluntary standards. Trump favored fewer direct rules and greater reliance on market-driven safeguards, calling for narrow rules aimed at specific harms and continued private-sector innovation.