Trump: AI Could Be 'Bigger Than the Internet', Calls for Light-Touch Regulation

President Donald Trump has expressed his enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI), stating that it could become 'bigger than the internet' and urging regulators to adopt a light-touch approach. Speaking at a White House gathering with crypto executives and financial regulators, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining the US lead over China in AI development.

The president noted that China is the closest competitor to the US in AI and expressed confidence that the technology will be discussed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit on September 24. Trump also highlighted efforts to let AI companies build power plants to supply their data centers, rather than relying on the existing electrical grid.

Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI have signed the White House's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, agreeing to pay for new electricity generation and infrastructure needed for their data centers. Trump acknowledged that the industry 'could use a little public relations help,' as opposition to AI data centers grows over concerns about electricity costs, water use, and other environmental impacts.

At least 37 people have been arrested during data center protests this year, while lawmakers in 15 states have considered moratoriums on data center development. Banks and asset managers are increasingly weighing community opposition when financing projects, with at least 75 data centers worth roughly $130 billion facing local opposition in the first quarter of 2026.