Trump tells 60 Minutes he doesn't mind AI guardrails but won't put the US in 'a deep second position' to China
In his first interview since the midterms, Trump said AI risk 'can be managed', that he would work with Democrats on safety, and called the technology 'SI' because 'it really is super intelligence.'
Why it matters
After Democrats won both chambers in last week's midterms, AI safety legislation has become a live question for 2027. In the CBS transcript, Ross Douthat asked whether racing China justified the risks AI builders describe; Trump said the risk 'is not nearly as real' as they claim, can be managed, and that he would 'absolutely' work with Democrats on AI safety. 'I don't mind guardrails,' he said, but added China has none and he would not put the US in 'a deep second position.' Watch for bills from the incoming Democratic majorities and the White House response.
Key facts
- Interview recorded at the White House on Friday, aired Sunday
- Trump: AI risk 'can be managed'
- Trump would 'absolutely' work with Democrats on AI safety
- 'I don't mind guardrails' but no 'deep second position'
- Trump says China 'has no guardrails'
- He calls the technology 'SI' for super intelligence