President Trump has pushed back against calls to slow the development of artificial intelligence, even as some researchers and technology executives have called for greater safeguards. At the same time, Trump has disclosed investments in companies whose businesses are tied to the broader AI build-out, while his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have invested in AI, data-centre, and defence-related ventures.
A Washington Post analysis found that Trump's investment accounts have disclosed nearly 30,000 securities transactions since he returned to the White House, including purchases of Dell Technologies, Micron Technology, and GE Vernova. The companies are involved in supplying computing hardware or energy infrastructure used in the broader AI build-out.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle has said the investments are managed independently and that neither Trump nor his family can direct individual trades. He said there were 'no conflicts of interest.'
Trump Pushes Back as AI Safety Debate Intensifies
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: 'The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!' The president has also dismissed fears about AI posing catastrophic risks as a 'hoax' and argued that slowing US development could benefit China.
His comments came as AI leaders pushed for greater caution. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called for the industry to slow the development of increasingly powerful AI systems, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also backed calls for a slowdown and stronger safety measures.
After announcing his resignation from Anthropic on 9 September, researcher Jacob Coxon issued a stark warning. 'Neither company is acting responsibly,' Coxon wrote, referring to Anthropic and OpenAI. 'They are racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.'
Trump Sons Enter AI Infrastructure and Defence
The Trump family's technology interests extend beyond the president's personal investments. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have invested in AI, data centres, defence, and robotics through ventures linked primarily to 1789 Capital and American Ventures, according to The Washington Post. In February 2025, the brothers joined Dominari Holdings and other AI industry professionals in launching American Data Centers, a venture focused on high-performance computing infrastructure.
One of the biggest deals involves Vulcan Elements, a rare-earth magnet company whose products have applications in defence technology. In November 2025, the Pentagon announced plans to provide Vulcan with a $620M loan, about three months after 1789 Capital, where Trump Jr. is a partner, took an undisclosed stake in the company.
ProPublica reported that Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr., initiated the request for the loan. One person involved in the process told the publication, 'The call came from the White House: We have to get this done.' Trump Jr.'s spokesperson and the Pentagon said he played no role in securing the loan, while Vulcan's founder said the company received no political favouritism.
Other Trump-linked ventures have also moved into defence and robotics, adding to scrutiny surrounding the family's expanding technology interests. Eric Trump has invested in defence and robotics companies, including Space-Eyes, which uses artificial intelligence to process data from satellites and other sensors.
AI Policy Draws Scrutiny Over Family Investments
The Trump administration has emphasised economic and national security competition in its approach to AI, including the need to maintain US leadership in artificial intelligence amid competition with China. Senior Trump adviser and technology investor David Sacks has played a key role in shaping the administration's AI policy, which has favoured a relatively limited regulatory approach. Trump has also argued that existing laws can be used to address harmful uses of the technology.
The approach has drawn scrutiny from ethics watchdogs and lawmakers over potential conflicts involving the president's investments and businesses linked to his family. The Washington Post reported that Trump's policy decisions could affect the value of his investments, while the White House says his holdings are managed independently and that neither Trump nor his family can direct or influence specific investment decisions.
