Trump says AI risks are manageable and signals openness to guardrails
President Donald Trump says artificial intelligence risks are manageable and he's willing to work with Democrats on safeguards, as long as they don't leave the US trailing China.
The president made these remarks during a November 8, 2026 interview with CBS's 60 Minutes. When asked whether the US should accept AI's risks as the price of staying ahead of China, Trump's answer amounted to a qualified yes.
Shift in tone
For a president who has largely argued that tech companies should regulate themselves, this represents a noticeable change of stance. "I don't mind guardrails," Trump told CBS, but immediately set his limit: regulation shouldn't push the US into second place behind China.
I don't mind guardrails
Previous position
These comments contrast sharply with Trump's statements from September 2026, when he dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax. At that time, he positioned himself as the main guardrail the industry needed and criticized calls for more government oversight.
Geopolitical framing
Trump's response reflects how US AI policy has increasingly been framed as a geopolitical contest rather than a consumer protection issue. The president suggested that manageable risks, light-touch regulations, and maintaining a lead over China are compatible goals.
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