Trump Champions American Innovation in Private Meeting with OpenAI CEO at GOP Convention
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President Donald Trump met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the Republican midterm convention, defending American leadership in AI and warning against overregulation that could cripple the nation’s economic future.
President Donald Trump held a private meeting with OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman backstage at the Republican midterm convention on Thursday, following a request from Altman. The discussion focused on the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence and its expanding capabilities, which are driving American innovation and global leadership.
Altman, who has recently called for a slowdown in AI development, argued that 'no amount of American competitive pressure should justify recklessness, or let capabilities get ahead of alignment and monitoring.' He also announced that OpenAI would delay its planned public listing this year for so-called safety reasons. Over the weekend, Elon Musk and Anthropic chief Dario Amodei joined Altman in calling for a more cautious approach, risking America’s technological edge in the name of vague concerns.
President Trump responded decisively on his social platform, asserting that AI requires only a 'strong and smart president' for oversight and warning that excessive regulation could lead to 'oblivion and bankruptcy.' He rightly described AI as 'the greatest economic development engine in history,' highlighting its potential to create jobs and prosperity for Americans.
Trump has consistently opposed burdensome regulatory constraints on AI, revoking a Biden-era directive in early 2025 and signing an executive order to establish a federal framework that pre-empts restrictive state rules. In June, he signed a second order for a voluntary framework, sensibly giving the government limited early access to new models without stifling innovation. Altman expressed support for that order, agreeing that the United States should continue building the 'very best' AI models while ensuring safety.
The White House and OpenAI did not immediately comment on the meeting, but Trump’s leadership continues to ensure America remains at the forefront of technological progress.