J.D. Vance on the Future of Artificial Intelligence

At a recent conference, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a compelling speech about the future of artificial intelligence (AI). He began by expressing his gratitude to President Macron for hosting the event and to Prime Minister Modi for co-hosting. Reflecting on a dinner conversation with President Macron, Vance joked that he initially came for good company and free wine but was there to earn his keep by sharing his insights on AI.

Vance made it clear that his focus was not on AI safety, as had been the topic in past years, but rather on AI’s vast opportunities. He pointed out that when discussing groundbreaking technologies, people often become overly cautious. However, he believes AI is a technological breakthrough that demands boldness rather than hesitation.

The Administration’s Approach to AI

Vance outlined four key priorities for the Trump Administration regarding AI:

1. Maintaining U.S. Leadership – The administration is committed to keeping American AI technology as the global gold standard, ensuring that the U.S. remains the partner of choice for foreign governments and businesses adopting AI.

2. Encouraging Innovation – Excessive regulation, he argued, could stifle an industry just as it is taking off. The administration aims to promote policies that foster AI growth while avoiding burdensome restrictions.

3. Preventing Ideological Bias – Vance emphasized that AI should not become a tool for censorship or political agendas. The U.S. must ensure that AI remains free from ideological influence.

4. Supporting Job Creation – AI should enhance, not replace, human labor. Vance strongly rejected the notion that AI would eliminate jobs, stating instead that it would boost productivity, prosperity, and freedom for American workers.

The U.S. AI Advantage

The United States possesses all the necessary components to lead in AI, including advanced semiconductor design, cutting-edge algorithms, and transformative applications. The administration is committed to ensuring that the most powerful AI systems are built in the U.S., using American-designed and manufactured chips. However, Vance stressed that leadership does not mean isolation—the U.S. seeks global partnerships in advancing AI.

To foster innovation, he called for international regulatory frameworks that promote AI rather than restrict it. He urged European allies to approach AI with optimism rather than fear, arguing that overregulation could deter startups and researchers from pushing the technology forward.

AI and Economic Growth

Vance highlighted that the administration would not allow AI startups and graduate students—who are driving some of the most groundbreaking applications—to be hindered by restrictive policies. The recent executive order on AI reflects a balanced approach, avoiding excessive caution while ensuring the benefits of AI are widely shared.

However, he expressed concerns over foreign governments imposing restrictions on U.S. tech companies operating internationally. The U.S. opposes excessive foreign regulations that could unfairly disadvantage American businesses.

The Role of Energy and Infrastructure

A major challenge for AI development is the need for reliable power and high-quality semiconductors. Vance criticized countries that are deindustrializing while simultaneously pushing AI forward without sufficient energy infrastructure. He emphasized that AI’s future depends on building strong energy systems to support its growth.

AI’s economic impact extends beyond coding and software—it will revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and energy. Vance sees AI as a driver of the next industrial revolution, comparable to the steam engine or Bessemer steel. However, he warned that overregulation and monopolization by large tech companies could hinder this progress.

AI and National Security

Vance addressed concerns about AI being weaponized by authoritarian regimes. He vowed that the administration would safeguard American AI and chip technologies from theft and misuse while working with allies to prevent adversarial nations from gaining AI capabilities that threaten global security.

He also cautioned against partnering with regimes that use AI for surveillance and censorship, reminding the audience that “if you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.” The U.S. is committed to ensuring AI remains a force for freedom and innovation, not a tool for authoritarian control.

AI and the American Worker

In closing, Vance reaffirmed that AI is not about replacing workers but about empowering them. The administration is dedicated to policies that enhance worker productivity, leading to higher wages, better benefits, and more prosperous communities. AI’s immediate applications in law, medicine, and manufacturing will create opportunities rather than eliminate them.

Ultimately, the U.S. approach to AI prioritizes innovation, economic growth, and individual freedoms. With the right policies, Vance believes AI will unlock new levels of human potential while keeping America at the forefront of technological advancement.

Written by Derrick Smith February 11, 2025

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enjoy exclusive special deals available only to our subscribers.