JD Vance addressed the audience at the Paris AI Action Summit on Wednesday, proclaiming that, “The United States is at the forefront of AI development and our administration intends to maintain that position.”
Vance articulated, “The United States has all the necessary components needed for the entire AI framework, including cutting-edge semiconductor design, advanced algorithms, and groundbreaking applications.” He emphasized the importance of computing power, stating that the Trump administration is committed to ensuring that the most powerful AI systems are developed in the U.S. using domestically designed and manufactured chips.
During his speech, Vance criticized the European Union’s current regulations regarding AI and technology, particularly citing the Digital Services Act and GDPR as “burdensome international rules” that impose heavy legal costs on smaller enterprises and hinder free speech by restricting access to information deemed as misinformation by the government. He noted that American lawmakers are already working towards eliminating overly restrictive regulations in this field and encouraged other nations to take a similar approach.
“The Trump administration is alarmed by reports suggesting that some foreign governments may impose stricter regulations on U.S. technology companies with global operations,” Vance said. “The United States will not stand for that.”
He further elaborated on the energy demands of AI technologies, asserting that these evolving systems require reliable electricity and high-quality semiconductors. He lamented that many nations are opting to remove stable power sources from their energy grids. Vance also cautioned against forming partnerships with authoritarian nations, arguing that such alliances could lead to unfavorable long-term outcomes.
“Some of us here have learned the hard way that collaborating with such regimes can tether your nation to an authoritarian ruler seeking to gain control over your information infrastructure,” Vance warned. “If an offer sounds too good to be true, remember the adage from Silicon Valley: ‘If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.’
