Pentagon tech chief opposes government equity stakes in AI firms, skeptical of new regulations
Pentagon's top technology official Emil Michael said the U.S. government should not acquire equity stakes in artificial intelligence companies, and he expressed skepticism about additional AI regulations. He echoed President Trump's stance against increased oversight, while some industry leaders have called for a slowdown in AI development.
Michael's remarks come as the Trump administration has shown willingness to take equity positions in private companies, including a 10% stake in Intel and a "golden share" in U.S. Steel. His comments distinguish AI from those cases, arguing that government involvement in the sector would amount to nationalization of some of the world's largest firms.
The Pentagon tech chief's position aligns with President Trump's broader stance against regulatory expansion. However, it contrasts with warnings from industry figures like Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei, who has argued that AI development should be slowed to address potential risks before models advance further. Michael appeared on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" to discuss these issues.
This debate could shape how quickly AI technology develops and who controls its trajectory. If the government avoids equity stakes and additional regulation, AI firms may retain more autonomy over their products, potentially accelerating innovation but also leaving safety concerns unaddressed. Society could benefit from faster technological progress, yet may face greater uncertainty about AI's societal impacts. The outcome may influence public trust in both government oversight and corporate responsibility.