House Democrats are circulating a draft letter asking President Donald Trump to lead an international effort to create a global framework for governing advanced artificial intelligence, a copy of the draft was shared with Semafor.
In the draft, Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) writes: “We strongly urge your administration to lead a coordinated international effort to establish a global framework to guide the development of this technology and a shared vision for AI end-use — engaging our strongest allies, such as the European Union, as well as formidable global competitors, particularly the People’s Republic of China.”
At this time it is unclear which other lawmakers will sign the letter.
The push comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which is expected to touch on AI topics.
The letter also notes rising concern among lawmakers and the American public about AI capabilities. “We must lead with the creation of global rules of the road to prevent the proliferation of uncontrollable highly capable frontier AI,” it says, comparing the proposed effort to past U.S.-led initiatives on nuclear power and aviation.
The report highlights that the United States has previously been explicit about its desire to outpace China in AI development, and that the Trump administration is unlikely to accept international policy steps that would concede competitive advantage. On Sunday, President Trump rejected calls from technology leaders to slow AI development, citing the need for the U.S. to compete with China.
The White House has often opted out of global AI discussions: last year White House science adviser Michael Kratsios said at the United Nations, “We totally reject all efforts by international bodies to assert centralized control and global governance of AI.”
It remains possible that the rapid pace of AI advancement will alter the administration’s stance. Trump’s discussions with Xi about AI, and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, will provide opportunities to see whether the administration has shifted course.
Key facts
- The draft letter is being circulated and a copy was shared with Semafor; it is expected to be sent to the president later this week.
- Draft author: Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.).
- The letter calls for international cooperation and specifically names the European Union and the People’s Republic of China.
- President Trump recently rejected calls to slow AI development; White House science adviser Michael Kratsios spoke last year at the UN against centralized global governance of AI.
(Which additional lawmakers will sign and the final content of the letter have not been disclosed.)
