President Trump and members of Congress should be the ones steering the national conversation on artificial intelligence, not unelected regulators or foreign adversaries, writes Fox News contributor Hugh Hewitt. The author notes that the rapid rise of AI has sparked alarmist headlines, but the proper remedy lies in the constitutional process of legislative deliberation.
Why Congress, Not Agencies, Should Decide
Hewitt points out that no federal agency has been created specifically to oversee AI technology. The Federal Trade Commission, founded in 1914, was never intended to police Silicon Valley, and the United States does not have a European‑style commission to dictate AI policy. In a free‑market republic, private companies are presumed lawful until proven otherwise, and the nation’s prosperity depends on that presumption.
According to the piece, the Senate Intelligence Committee, chaired by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, and the House Intelligence Committee, led by Rep. Rick Crawford, also of Arkansas, together comprise 48 members who can evaluate the risks and benefits of AI. These lawmakers, selected by party leaders for their expertise, are positioned to hear testimony from industry leaders, national‑security officials, and constitutional scholars.
National‑Security Concerns
The author warns that China’s Communist Party leader Xi Jinping is closely watching America’s AI advances. While President Trump has previously described Xi as the ultimate “guardrail” in the AI competition, Hewitt argues that the United States must not rely on a foreign adversary to set the pace. Instead, Congress should enact clear statutes that protect American innovation while preventing hostile exploitation.
Balancing Freedom and Safety
Hewitt emphasizes that the free market produces abundant wealth and that Americans enjoy the blessings of law and liberty. He cautions against hasty regulation that could stifle competition, noting that the private sector should be allowed to develop AI “as far and as fast as it wants” until Congress decides otherwise. If urgency arises, the author says, legislators can act swiftly, but only after thorough study.
President Trump’s Role
While the piece does not claim that President Trump is directly shaping AI policy, it notes that tech investor David Sacks, co‑chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, has voiced strong support for responsible development without unnecessary government interference. Given Sacks’ proximity to the White House, there is a good chance President Trump is hearing these concerns.
Public Opinion
A recent Fox News poll cited in the article shows that voters view AI regulation as an urgent issue, ranking safeguards ahead of innovation. However, the poll’s methodology is not detailed, and the author reminds readers that a single snapshot does not constitute a settled fact.
Conclusion
Hewitt concludes that the future of AI rests with Congress, not with a newly created agency or a chorus of alarmist pundits. By allowing elected representatives to deliberate, the United States can protect its constitutional freedoms, maintain its economic dynamism, and stay ahead of foreign competitors.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
