Trumps Anti- Science Agenda Is Massively Hampering His Plansfor AI Experts Warn

Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 9:48 GMT by Futurism
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Trump's own policy proposal to boost AI is threatened because of the impact from his cuts to research.

Trump's Anti-Science Agenda and Its Implications for AI Development

In the landscape of American politics, few figures have stirred as much controversy in scientific circles as Donald Trump. As the former president eyes a potential return to the White House, concerns are mounting over what many experts describe as an entrenched anti-science agenda that could profoundly shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. This agenda, rooted in skepticism toward established scientific consensus, deregulation fervor, and alliances with tech moguls, threatens to prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term safety, ethical considerations, and global competitiveness in AI.

At the heart of Trump's approach is a history of dismissing scientific expertise. During his first term, Trump repeatedly downplayed climate change, calling it a "hoax" perpetrated by China, and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. His administration gutted environmental regulations, slashed funding for agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and appointed officials who prioritized industry interests over evidence-based policy. This pattern extended to public health, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Trump promoted unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine and undermined experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci. Critics argue that this disdain for science isn't merely rhetorical; it's a deliberate strategy to dismantle regulatory frameworks that could constrain corporate power, including in emerging fields like AI.

Now, as Trump campaigns for 2024, his vision for AI appears to build on this foundation. Reports and statements from his inner circle suggest a plan to accelerate AI development by rolling back what he perceives as burdensome oversight. Trump has expressed admiration for AI's potential to boost the economy and military strength, often framing it as a tool for "making America great again." In speeches and interviews, he has touted the need to outpace China in AI without the "red tape" of regulations. This aligns with his broader economic philosophy of deregulation, which could mean weakening or eliminating guidelines on AI ethics, data privacy, and bias mitigation currently being developed under the Biden administration.

One key aspect of Trump's AI strategy involves forging alliances with influential tech figures who share his deregulatory zeal. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a vocal supporter, despite past tensions. Musk's own ventures heavily rely on AI, from autonomous vehicles to neural interfaces via Neuralink. Trump's team has reportedly discussed policies that would favor companies like Musk's by easing antitrust scrutiny and promoting rapid deployment of AI technologies. Similarly, Peter Thiel, the PayPal co-founder and a prominent Trump backer, advocates for a libertarian approach to tech innovation, arguing that government intervention stifles progress. Thiel's influence could steer Trump's policies toward viewing AI as a free-market frontier, unbound by concerns over job displacement, misinformation amplification, or existential risks like those highlighted by experts in AI safety.

This anti-science bent raises alarms among researchers and ethicists. Organizations like the Center for AI Safety and prominent figures such as Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "Godfather of AI," have warned about the dangers of unchecked AI advancement. Hinton, who resigned from Google to speak freely on the topic, has emphasized the need for international cooperation to manage risks like AI-driven autonomous weapons or superintelligent systems that could outstrip human control. Under a Trump administration, such calls for caution might be sidelined. Instead, policies could favor military applications of AI, building on Trump's previous efforts to establish the Space Force and invest in defense tech. This could accelerate the development of AI for surveillance, cyber warfare, and drone technology, potentially escalating global arms races without adequate safeguards.

Moreover, Trump's agenda could exacerbate inequalities in AI access and benefits. His first term saw cuts to federal research funding, including for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which play crucial roles in AI-related studies. A second term might further defund public research initiatives, shifting resources toward private sector giants. This privatization could widen the gap between tech elites and the broader public, as AI tools become tools of economic dominance rather than societal good. For instance, in areas like healthcare AI, where algorithms are used for diagnostics, a lack of regulatory oversight might lead to biased systems that disproportionately harm marginalized communities, perpetuating health disparities.

Environmental implications also loom large. AI development is energy-intensive, with data centers consuming vast amounts of electricity and contributing to carbon emissions. Trump's denial of climate science could mean ignoring these footprints, allowing AI infrastructure to expand without mandates for sustainable practices. This contrasts sharply with the Biden administration's efforts, such as the AI Bill of Rights and executive orders promoting responsible AI, which emphasize transparency, accountability, and equity.

Critics, including Democratic leaders and scientific bodies like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), argue that Trump's approach risks isolating the U.S. from international AI governance. The European Union's AI Act, for example, sets strict rules on high-risk applications, and collaborative efforts like the Global Partnership on AI aim to harmonize standards worldwide. By rejecting such frameworks, Trump could hinder U.S. participation, ceding leadership to rivals like China, which invests heavily in AI while maintaining state control.

Supporters of Trump counter that his policies would unleash innovation, creating jobs and economic growth. They point to his first-term tax cuts and trade deals as evidence of pro-business success, suggesting AI would thrive under similar conditions. However, many in the scientific community remain skeptical, viewing this as a gamble with high stakes. As one AI researcher anonymously told reporters, "Deregulation sounds great until an AI system causes a catastrophe that could have been prevented."

In summary, Trump's anti-science agenda, if realized in a second term, could transform AI from a field guided by ethical and scientific principles into one dominated by unchecked ambition. While promising rapid advancement, it risks amplifying dangers, from ethical lapses to global instability. As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over AI's future underscores a broader clash between evidence-based governance and ideological deregulation, with profound consequences for society at large. The question remains: Will America prioritize science in shaping AI, or will it embrace a path that favors speed over safety?

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