Key Insights:

• Elon Musk could shape Trump’s AI agenda, urging stricter controls on advanced AI to prevent potential risks.
• Max Tegmark says Musk might convince Trump that AGI development could pose existential threats without safeguards.
• Musk’s backing of AI safety bills and startups reflects his commitment to regulating high-risk AI technology.

Elon Musk’s potential influence on the incoming Trump administration could shape the future of artificial intelligence regulation, according to Max Tegmark, a leading AI researcher at MIT. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Tegmark stated that Musk might play a critical role in advocating for stricter safety protocols surrounding AI development.

While AI regulation was not a central focus of Trump’s campaign, Tegmark noted Musk’s persistent warnings about the risks posed by unregulated advancements in AI, including the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—systems capable of performing tasks at or above human intelligence levels. 

Tegmark said, 

“He might help Trump understand that an AGI race is a suicide race,” suggesting that Musk could push for policies to curb uncontrolled progress in this area.

Musk’s History of Advocating AI Safety

Musk has long been a vocal proponent of AI safety. He supported the now-defunct SB 1047 bill in California, which aimed to mandate stress-testing for large AI models before their release. The bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who cited concerns about its potential impact on innovation and the competitiveness of AI firms in the state.

Despite opposition from several tech leaders, Musk’s backing of the bill demonstrated his willingness to prioritize safety over rapid development. “Elon Musk came out and said I’m for it, I want the regulation,” Tegmark pointed out. This stance aligns with Musk’s broader view on AI, which he has described as a potentially existential threat to humanity if left unchecked.

Trump’s Position on AI Regulation

The Trump administration’s approach to AI regulation could differ significantly from its predecessor. The Biden administration issued an executive order on AI safety, requiring developers of high-risk AI systems to report safety test results to the government. The Republican platform, however, has criticized these measures, describing them as restrictive and influenced by left-wing ideologies.

Trump has pledged to repeal the executive order, which he views as an obstacle to innovation. If Musk successfully advocates for AI safety measures within Trump’s administration, it could mark a shift in the administration’s stance on regulation.

Musk’s Broader Concerns About AI Development

Musk has consistently emphasized the potential dangers of unregulated AI. He has compared the worst-case scenarios to a “Terminator future,” where advanced AI systems evade human control. These concerns are reflected in Musk’s recent decision to launch his own AI startup, which aims to focus on safe and beneficial AI development.

However, Musk’s apocalyptic warnings have drawn criticism from some AI professionals. Critics argue that such warnings divert attention from pressing short-term issues, such as the spread of misinformation and bias in existing AI systems. While the debate continues, Musk remains committed to advocating for robust safety standards, which Tegmark believes could gain traction in the Trump administration.

Potential Outcomes for AI Policy

If Musk’s influence leads to new AI regulations under Trump, it could reshape the trajectory of AI development in the United States. The proposed safety standards could address both immediate and long-term risks, balancing innovation with oversight.

Musk’s financial and technological backing of organizations like the Future of Life Institute, co-founded by Tegmark, highlights his commitment to these goals. The coming months will reveal whether this partnership can sway policy decisions at the highest levels of government.