If You Don't Lead the AI Race, Trump Warns Country of a 'Very Bad Situation'

President Donald Trump said he is concerned the country would be in a "very bad situation" if it does not lead the artificial intelligence race.

When asked by reporters at Dallas airport whether he was worried that artificial intelligence could lead to human extinction, he replied, "No, I have no concern about that."

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Thursday of serious consequences from the United States losing the artificial intelligence race to China, stressing that maintaining Washington's edge in this field has become a "critical matter for national security and the economy."

These remarks come as debate intensifies within the U.S. over the rapid expansion of data center construction needed to develop and run artificial intelligence systems, with local opposition growing due to their high energy and water consumption and potential impacts on surrounding communities, according to Bloomberg.

Trump had previously warned in late August that rising public opposition to data centers poses an economic threat to the United States and could give China an advantage in the AI race.

In contrast, Bessent urged technology companies and data center operators to improve their communication with local communities, arguing they have failed to explain the economic benefits of these projects.