Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the 21st century’s technological revolution, and two of the most influential figures in business and politics—former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk—are playing major roles in shaping its future. With AI poised to transform industries, economies, and even political landscapes, their involvement raises crucial questions: Are they trying to mold AI to favor their own agendas? And what does their influence mean for the broader AI landscape?
Trump’s Push for AI Infrastructure and Control
Since his return to the political spotlight, Donald Trump has made AI a key pillar of his vision for American technological dominance. In early 2025, his administration announced Stargate LLC, a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and investment firm MGX. With an eye-watering $500 billion investment plan, this initiative aims to develop AI infrastructure at an unprecedented scale, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in AI.
Trump has framed the Stargate project as a move to secure American interests and counter China’s rapid AI advancements. However, critics argue that such massive government-backed initiatives could allow Trump to exert influence over AI development, potentially steering it in ways that align with his political ideology.
Beyond infrastructure, Trump’s administration has pushed for deregulation in AI, favoring an approach that allows rapid innovation with minimal government restrictions. This philosophy aligns with his broader deregulatory stance but raises concerns about the potential consequences of unchecked AI deployment. Critics worry that AI models developed under such policies could reinforce biases or be used for political and corporate gains without adequate oversight.
Musk’s Dual Role: Critic and Architect of AI in Government
Elon Musk has long been vocal about AI’s risks, warning that unchecked AI could lead to existential threats or censorship of free speech. He has frequently criticized companies like OpenAI (which he once supported) for being too politically aligned with liberal perspectives. At the same time, Musk has positioned himself as an AI disruptor, launching his own AI company, xAI, to develop models that he claims will be more “truth-seeking” and resistant to political bias.
Musk’s involvement in government AI projects adds another layer of complexity. His leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) includes the development of GSAi, an AI chatbot designed to modernize U.S. government operations. While marketed as a tool for efficiency, some observers believe it could give Musk undue influence over federal AI decision-making.
Musk’s approach to AI aligns with his broader vision of technology: minimal restrictions, a strong emphasis on individual free speech, and a preference for decentralized AI development over heavily regulated, state-controlled models. His criticisms of Stargate LLC—particularly doubts about its funding and execution—highlight his skepticism of Trump’s large-scale AI initiatives. Despite these critiques, Musk continues to wield significant influence over AI policy and development within the federal government.
AI as a Political and Economic Tool
The influence of Trump and Musk over AI development is not just about technological progress—it is also about power. AI plays a growing role in shaping public opinion, automating decision-making, and influencing economic systems. Whoever controls AI infrastructure, training data, and regulatory policies has the potential to guide its impact on society.
With Trump favoring a deregulated, nationalistic approach and Musk advocating for AI systems aligned with his worldview, the question arises: Will AI become a tool for reinforcing political ideologies? While both men claim to champion AI innovation for the benefit of the country, their involvement suggests an underlying struggle for influence over how AI is developed and deployed.
The Risks of AI Shaped by Political and Business Interests
The rapid involvement of powerful figures in AI development raises several concerns:
Bias in AI Models: If AI systems are trained on datasets curated by politically or ideologically motivated actors, they could reinforce specific viewpoints, limiting their objectivity.
Regulatory Risks: A fast-tracked AI agenda—whether through Stargate LLC or GSAi—may bypass essential safeguards, leading to unintended consequences, from misinformation to security vulnerabilities.
Concentration of AI Power: With AI increasingly central to governance, economy, and national security, allowing a small group of political and business leaders to dominate its development could create monopolistic or authoritarian tendencies.
Conclusion: The Future of AI in a Politicized Landscape
Trump and Musk’s influence over AI is undeniable. Whether through direct government involvement, large-scale investment projects, or competing AI models, both are actively shaping the direction of artificial intelligence in the U.S. While their efforts could accelerate AI innovation, they also highlight the risks of concentrated control over such a powerful technology.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, it is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and the public to scrutinize how and why influential figures are steering its development. The future of AI should not be dictated by a few powerful individuals but should involve a broader, more transparent discussion on ethics, regulation, and the technology’s role in society.
