During a public appearance at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang received an unexpected phone call from former US President Donald Trump. Put on speaker for the live audience, Trump used the opportunity to weigh in on two prominent technology debates: the push for an AI slowdown and the growing criticism surrounding data centers.
Trump Dismisses AI Slowdown Calls as 'Hoax'
Trump emphatically rejected calls from some prominent AI researchers and tech leaders, including figures from Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI, to slow down the pace of artificial intelligence development. He labeled these concerns a "hoax," stating, "We're leading China on AI... and, frankly, I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI, wins."
The former president suggested that those advocating for an AI slowdown might be politically motivated or even influenced by rival nations like China. "They’re just playing right in the hands of a lot of people that don’t want to see it happen," Trump added, asserting, "That could be political people. It could also be China. And we’re not going to let that happen. It’s a hoax." Jensen Huang reportedly affirmed Trump's stance, replying, "You’re right. We’re not going to let that (AI slowdown) happen, sir."
Defending Data Centers Amidst Criticism
Trump also addressed the growing backlash against the construction and operation of large data centers, which are crucial infrastructure for AI systems and consume significant resources, particularly power. He firmly stated, "I’m telling you, it’s all a hoax" regarding the criticism.
“The data centers are great, and they make people wealthy, and they make states wealthy,” Trump declared during the call.
His support for data center development aligns with the needs of companies like Nvidia, whose GPUs are essential components for AI systems housed within these facilities. Trump concluded his conversation with Huang by expressing full support, saying, "I’m with you all the way," underscoring the increasing importance of AI to the US economy and his administration's potential future policies.