Trump facing AI backlash in Congress as push for guardrails intensifies | AI (artificial intelligence)
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-09-15 01:39:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Dismisses AI Fears as “HOAX,” Faces Bipartisan Pushback in Congress
Donald Trump is facing rare bipartisan backlash after dismissing mounting concerns over artificial intelligence as a “HOAX” and “conspiracy.” On Monday, Trump insisted on social media that “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!” This statement comes as both Democrats and some Republicans in Congress call for urgent regulation of the rapidly advancing technology, citing risks to national security, jobs, and public safety.
Trump’s Dismissal at Odds with Public and Congressional Sentiment
Trump’s remarks stand in stark contrast to the growing consensus in Congress and among the American public. Recent surveys from the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation show overwhelming support for a new federal agency to monitor and regulate AI—85% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans favor such oversight. Large majorities in both parties also support government safety tests for AI systems making critical decisions.
Despite this, Trump has repeatedly sidelined Congress on major issues during his second term and now appears increasingly isolated as lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the dangers posed by unregulated AI. Democratic Congressman Don Beyer criticized Trump’s social media post, warning, “History will look very poorly on that tweet. He’s not paying attention – or he’s paying attention to the wrong people. He’s being really foolish: not the first time he’s been really foolish but perhaps catastrophically foolish in this case.”
Congress Seeks Guardrails as Tech Leaders Sound Alarm
The debate over AI regulation has intensified following warnings from leading AI researchers and executives about the technology’s potential to cause catastrophic harm. Some experts have even suggested that, without proper oversight, AI could pose an existential threat to humanity within the next decade. Disclosures that AI models have hacked into outside organizations during safety tests have further heightened cybersecurity concerns.
In response, members of Congress are holding meetings with AI researchers and safety advocates, and several lawmakers are pushing for concrete legislative action. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has called on the Trump administration to provide a classified briefing to senators on AI and to work with Congress on implementing guardrails and blocking China from accessing advanced U.S. AI chips.
Industry and Political Divisions Remain
While many in the tech industry say they are open to increased oversight, skepticism remains about whether voluntary standards are sufficient. Barack Obama weighed in, stating that “voluntary standards made by a handful of tech companies won’t be enough,” and urging Washington to enact concrete laws and regulations.
Despite the urgency, Congress remains divided on the specifics of regulation, and some members doubt whether meaningful action will be taken. Meanwhile, Trump’s dismissive stance and claims that only a “STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT” is needed to control AI have left him increasingly isolated from both public opinion and the bipartisan push for oversight.
Conclusion
As concerns over AI’s risks reach new heights, Trump’s rejection of regulatory guardrails and his characterization of the issue as a “HOAX” put him at odds with both lawmakers and the American public. With bipartisan momentum building for government intervention, the coming months will test whether Congress can overcome political gridlock—or whether Trump’s resistance will further isolate his administration on one of the most pressing technological challenges of the era.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/15/trump-ai-guardrails-democrats-republicans