Trump Rejects Global AI Governance, Proposes 'Superintelligence' Term

President Donald Trump declared the United States will not participate in international efforts to regulate artificial intelligence, delivering pointed remarks at the United Nations General Assembly that signal a sharp departure from multilateral tech governance.

Speaking in New York City on Tuesday, Trump rejected what he characterized as a "globalist scheme" to control AI development. He also proposed rebranding the technology as "superintelligence," arguing the new terminology better captures its transformative potential.

"Whoever wins AI, you have to remember this, and now I say whoever wins SI, whoever wins superintelligence, wins," Trump said. He asserted the U.S. currently leads China "by a lot" in the technology race and pledged to maintain that advantage.

Why it matters

Trump's stance sets up a fundamental conflict over how the world's most consequential technology will be governed. While European nations and international bodies have pushed for coordinated AI safety frameworks, the administration is signaling it will prioritize competitive advantage over collaborative regulation. This approach could accelerate innovation but may also increase geopolitical tensions and complicate efforts to address cross-border AI risks.

DOJ oversight instead of regulation

Rather than supporting regulatory constraints, Trump said his administration will "encourage" superintelligence development while relying on the Department of Justice for oversight. He compared the technology's potential impact to the industrial revolution and the internet, saying he won't "stifle growth" of such a transformative force.

"We will only encourage superintelligence. We're going to encourage it, not rein it in," Trump said, adding the U.S. will "watch it closely through the Department of Justice."

China meeting and proposed hotline

The remarks come days before Trump's scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. According to Fox Business reporting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to present Trump with a proposal for an AI-focused "hotline" between the two nations.

The communication channel would allow both countries to address AI-related concerns including hacking, national security threats, and rogue AI systems, functioning similarly to existing military communication lines. Trump is expected to decide on the hotline proposal before meeting with Xi.

The president will host a state dinner for Xi that is expected to include major technology leaders such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Apple executive chairman Tim Cook.

Trump emphasized that Americans "have never been a nation that retreats from a frontier or shrinks from a challenge," framing AI leadership as essential to national competitiveness.

These details were first reported by Fox Business.