Yes
I do.
No
I don’t.
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become one of the biggest technological and political debates in America. From automated workplaces and self-driving technology to advanced computer systems capable of generating text, images and software, AI is becoming part of everyday life at a remarkable pace.
President Donald Trump has taken a generally optimistic approach toward the technology and has resisted calls for sweeping restrictions that could slow American AI development. In September 2026, Trump publicly pushed back against warnings that advanced artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity. His administration has instead emphasized American leadership in AI, economic growth and competition with China. Earlier this year, the White House also announced a national-security framework designed to increase the government’s use of advanced AI while requiring systems used by the military and intelligence community to be reliable, controllable and accountable.
But the debate is far from settled.
Some prominent researchers and technology executives have warned that increasingly capable AI systems deserve stronger safeguards. Others believe the most extreme predictions about artificial intelligence destroying humanity are speculative and argue that excessive regulation could prevent innovation, weaken American companies and give international competitors an advantage. Reuters reported in September that concerns surrounding AI safety have become significant enough to draw attention from political figures across the ideological spectrum.
That leaves Americans confronting a difficult question: How seriously should society take predictions about artificial intelligence becoming dangerous?
There is also a broader question about how much confidence people should place in government leaders, technology companies and researchers when they make predictions about technology that is developing faster than almost anyone anticipated just a few years ago.
Trump’s position emphasizes technological advancement and confidence that America can remain in control of AI development. Critics of that approach argue that safeguards should be established before systems become considerably more powerful.
Americans will ultimately have to decide how much risk they believe AI presents—and whether they agree with the president’s assessment.