Fri Jan 24 06:20:00 UTC 2025: **Scale AI CEO Urges Trump Administration to Prioritize AI Development in “AI War”**

WASHINGTON D.C. – Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, a 28-year-old self-made billionaire, is calling for a major federal investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent China from gaining a technological and military advantage. In a full-page advertisement in Tuesday’s Washington Post, and an exclusive interview with Semafor, Wang directly addressed President Trump, urging him to declare an “AI war” and prioritize US dominance in the field.

Wang’s five-point plan advocates for a significant shift in federal AI funding, moving away from a focus on algorithmic research (currently 90% of government spending) toward increased investment in compute power (60%) and data (30%). He argues that this reallocation mirrors the private sector’s successful approach and is crucial for keeping pace with China’s rapid advancements. The increased compute power is needed to support the increasingly demanding computational requirements of advanced AI models.

Beyond funding, Wang recommends streamlining regulations on new energy production to support the massive energy demands of AI development and promoting the government’s own adoption of AI for national security and data management. He contends that the US government possesses significantly more data than China and can leverage this asset strategically.

Wang, who attended President Trump’s inauguration alongside tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, emphasized that the new administration is receptive to industry input. He believes the US can win this technological race, but only with decisive action and a commitment to prioritizing AI development over concerns about potential job displacement or safety risks. While acknowledging the need for responsible AI development, he prioritizes securing US leadership in the field. His arguments have resonated within Silicon Valley, and his close ties with key figures in the administration suggest his recommendations may gain significant traction. Critics, however, warn against viewing these proposals as merely self-serving.

Read More