Sam Altman Expresses Optimism About Working with Trump Administration on AI Leadership

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind groundbreaking AI technologies like ChatGPT, has expressed his optimism about working with the incoming Trump administration. During an interview on Fox News Sunday, Altman emphasized the importance of American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and infrastructure development, which he sees as pivotal for maintaining a competitive edge in the global tech landscape, particularly against rivals like China.

"AI is fundamentally different from traditional software," Altman explained. "It requires massive amounts of infrastructure—power, computer chips, data centers. Building this infrastructure domestically is essential if the United States wants to lead the world in AI technology and capabilities. I believe President-elect Trump has the potential to do very well in this area."

Altman noted that this moment represents a critical juncture in AI's development, one that will have lasting implications for technology and global influence. "This is one of those unusually important moments in the history of technology," he said. "The United States and our allies need to take the lead, and we at OpenAI are eager to work with the Trump administration to make that happen."

Altman’s comments underscore the growing intersection between the tech industry and government policy. He stressed the need for collaboration to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI development, which he believes will be achieved through a strong partnership between the private and public sectors.

Altman’s willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration reflects a broader sentiment among some tech leaders. Recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited Mar-a-Lago to meet with President-elect Trump, signaling an effort by major tech companies to align with the new administration’s vision for advancing critical technologies. This engagement highlights the industry’s recognition of the importance of national AI infrastructure and the potential for public-private partnerships to shape the future of AI development.