Speaker Johnson Rejects AI Moratorium as National Security Threat

US House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed the idea of halting artificial intelligence progress, warning that such a stoppage would hand victory to China. He told reporters on Tuesday that a moratorium is off the table because losing our technological edge carries serious national security risks for every American family. "We cannot have a moratorium on the development of AI," he stated firmly.

Johnson pushed back against calls from tech CEOs to slow things down, insisting companies can police themselves without government interference. "They can self-regulate," he explained. "They don't need the government to tell them to slow it down." If those firms want to ease off the gas, that is their choice, but he drew a hard line against state-imposed pauses.

Pressure to limit AI has mounted across the political spectrum lately, touching on jobs, energy bills, and public safety. Even unlikely partners have joined the chorus for restrictions. US Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser known for his right-wing views, stood side by side at an event in Washington on Tuesday demanding action.

Sanders described AI as a growing threat requiring binding safety rules. He warned that the tech could wipe out entire professions, making it nearly impossible for young people to enter the workforce. "AI has the potential to eliminate tens of millions of jobs," he said. He also took aim at executives like Elon Musk for centralizing too much control over the technology.

Sanders feared AI might eventually escape human command with catastrophic results. Recent studies showed scientists using AI to design new viruses, a breakthrough that sparks biosecurity alarms. "In the wrong hands, this could lead to new bioweapons and a potential global pandemic that could lead to the deaths of tens of millions of people," he cautioned. He urged Trump to use his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate a treaty pausing AI development.

Bannon labeled AI the defining issue of our time. He argued the US must slow its advance to understand the dangers, praising Sanders' take on the risks while insisting this matter transcends partisan lines. "I don't think you could find any two harder partisans than Bernie Sanders on the left and Steve Bannon on the right," he remarked.

President Trump downplayed fears voiced by industry leaders on Monday. He called existential threats a hoax, claiming existing safeguards are enough to keep companies in check. The only guardrails AI needs, according to his posts, are a strong president with high intelligence. "WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS!" he wrote. He accused critics of data centers and the tech industry of engaging in a sick conspiracy. Efforts to slow the sector would ultimately help China, just as Johnson noted on Tuesday regarding falling behind.

Johnson did allow some room for guardrails, provided they are balanced and thoughtful. "I think you need independent auditors," he said.

I think you need transparency from the people who are developing this," he said.

This sentiment came from Johnson, who confirmed a separate call with President Trump on Monday night.

Executives from major artificial intelligence companies will face summons to the White House for a meeting within the next week.