Cox pushes back on Trump over gambling and AI regulation
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox Criticizes Trump Administration’s Approach to AI and Prediction Markets
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, speaking at POLITICO’s 2026 Governors Summit, launched a critique of the Trump administration’s strategies regarding prediction markets and artificial intelligence. His statements highlight a growing divide among Republicans concerning the regulation of emerging technologies and national unity.
Federal Overreach on State Regulations
During the summit, Cox, a Republican and vocal critic of President Donald Trump, expressed frustration over the administration’s attempt to limit state regulations on gambling and AI. “Look, this is a joke, and I can’t believe he tried to say this with a straight face,” Cox commented, referencing CFTC Chair Mike Selig’s assertion of federal authority over prediction markets. Cox emphasized the absurdity of the federal government “coming in and trying to tell us” how to manage state-level issues, labeling it as “preposterous.”
Concerns Over New Technologies
Cox voiced his worries about the impact of new technologies on youth, particularly the sale of sexualized chatbots. “Once you start selling sexualized chat bots to kids in my state, now I have a problem with that, and I’m going to get involved there,” he declared, asserting that he believes the Supreme Court would support his stance. This stance comes in response to a White House letter warning the Utah Legislature that state-led AI regulation efforts could clash with federal policies.
Aspirations for National Unity
Shifting focus from technology to national unity, Cox reflected on his previous endorsement of Trump following the president’s attempted assassination in 2024. Initially hopeful that Trump could unify the nation, Cox now describes that hope as “aspirational.” He remarked, “Trump is someone who, if he put his mind to it, could unify the country. He’s not putting his mind to it.”
Critique of Party’s Nativist Movement
Beyond tech policy and unity, Cox addressed the “Heritage American” movement within his party, criticizing its nativist message. “I worry about it because that’s a future where we lose a lot of elections in a very ugly way,” Cox stated, underscoring his belief that this direction does not align with the majority of Americans’ views, nor his own.
Balancing AI Innovation and Regulation
Despite his critiques, Cox supports the U.S. winning the “AI arms race with China and Russia” and advocates for building data centers nationwide. He stressed the dual approach of leveraging technology for human benefit while ensuring it doesn’t “destroy humankind.”
Conclusion
Governor Cox’s remarks highlight significant tensions within the GOP regarding state versus federal authority and the balance between technological innovation and regulation. As discussions around AI and national unity continue, Cox’s critique of Trump serves as a call for a more unified and state-empowered approach to governance.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/19/spencer-cox-utah-trump-ai-unity-gambling-00788583