US President Donald Trump has described artificial intelligence as a technology that could have an economic impact greater than the Industrial Revolution or the internet. In a recent social media post, Trump said AI could eventually account for as much as 25% of the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP).
Trump also said the United States is currently ahead of China in artificial intelligence and that he intends to maintain that position. His comments come as Washington and Beijing continue to compete over advanced AI technology, investment, computing infrastructure and access to high-end chips.
The president has also announced plans to establish an “AI Force” and appoint an AI official, or “AI czar,” to oversee the administration’s efforts in the sector. Trump has argued against slowing the development of AI, saying the US needs to continue advancing the technology to remain competitive globally.
Trump’s estimate that AI could reach 25% of US GDP is a projection rather than a current economic measurement. The scale of AI’s eventual contribution to the economy will depend on factors including business adoption, productivity gains, investment and technological development.
