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AIQuiet 13d · day 13

Hassett pushes back on AI regulation, backed by House Speaker Johnson

Trump's top economist says the private sector, not government, should manage AI risks as tech leaders and Democrats press for stronger oversight.

newest coverage 12d agosummary written 8d ago2 pieces Newswires

What to know

  • Trump's National Economic Council Director Hassett rejected calls for federal AI regulation, arguing the private sector is best positioned to manage risks while government watches closely.
  • The White House stance puts it at odds with major tech executives (Altman, Musk, Amodei) and some Democratic lawmakers pushing for stronger federal oversight of AI safety.
  • House Speaker Johnson backed the White House deregulation position, while Democratic legislators are moving forward with proposals including a kill switch requirement and federal AI safety monitoring mechanism.
  • Congressional appetite for action is limited; with lawmakers adjourning for November elections, fast-moving legislation appears unlikely despite Democratic pressure.

Kevin HassettKevin Hassett National Economic Council DirectorDonald TrumpDonald Trump PresidentMike JohnsonMike Johnson House SpeakerSam AltmanSam Altman OpenAI CEOElon MuskElon Musk xAI founderDario AmodeiDario Amodei Anthropic CEO

Hassett pushes back on AI regulation, backed by House Speaker Johnson
qz.com

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articles

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Sep 16Sep 17Sep 18Sep 19Sep 20Sep 21Sep 22Sep 23Sep 24Sep 25yesterdaynow · 11:44 PM ET
  1. background

    Kennedy proposes kill switch requirement for AI systems — Sen. John Kennedy intends to bring a "kill switch" proposal to the Senate floor that would obligate AI developers to retain the capacity to shut down their systems. Sen. Josh Hawley has also put forward bipartisan legislation calling for a federal mechanism to monitor AI safety issues.

  2. 1

    Hassett says private sector is right place to solve AI risks

    National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC that the private sector, not the federal government, should address AI risks, while saying the government is "watching closely" and will use law enforcement when necessary.

    “These are solvable problems, and the private sector is the right place to solve them. And it doesn't mean the government is asleep at the wheel.”
    — Kevin Hassett

    1. 1 outlet first by Quartz, 12d ago · read ↗

  3. background

    Democrats hold private AI discussion and schedule expert briefing — House members gathered for a private discussion on AI, while Sen. Bernie Sanders scheduled a Wednesday session where outside experts would brief colleagues on AI safety.

  4. background

    House Speaker Johnson backs White House deregulation stance — House Speaker Mike Johnson threw his weight behind the White House's position and cautioned that legislatures instinctively reach for "red tape and hyper regulation."

  5. background

    Trump attacks AI leaders' safety concerns as hoax — President Donald Trump publicly criticized AI industry leaders who have raised alarms about the technology, labeling their concerns a "hoax" and a "conspiracy" and framing U.S. dominance over China in AI as a central priority of his administration.