Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Trump adviser Sacks dismisses AI fears, rejects calls for regulation
David Sacks is an adviser to President Donald Trump on technology.
He said people are becoming afraid of artificial intelligence because of dramatic warnings and media reports.
Sacks believes AI companies should be responsible for making their products safe.
He also thinks companies should pay for harm caused by their products.
Sacks said the government does not need to create new AI rules.
Trump has expressed a similar view and called demands for federal regulation a “hoax.”
Some people remain worried because an Anthropic researcher said AI could become extremely dangerous.
The debate is about whether companies or the government should take the lead in keeping AI safe.
David Sacks said public concerns about artificial intelligence are being amplified by advocacy campaigns and media coverage.
Sacks argued that AI developers should ensure product safety and be held liable if problems arise.
He said new federal AI regulation is unnecessary, echoing President Donald Trump’s position.
Trump called calls from AI executives for federal AI rules a “hoax” earlier in the week.
Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon recently said some AI developers believe the technology could kill people by the end of the decade.
- Who
- David Sacks, outside technology adviser to President Donald Trump; Trump; AI developers; and critics including Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon.
- What
- Sacks argued that public AI fears are driven by advocacy campaigns and media coverage, and rejected calls for new federal regulation.
- When
- Sacks spoke on Wednesday, Sept. 16; Trump made similar comments on Monday earlier that week.
- Where
- At a Politico event in Washington, with Sacks appearing by video.
- Why
- Sacks said AI developers should be responsible for product safety and liable for problems, making new regulation unnecessary.
AI safety advocates and critics
Sacks, Trump and industry advisers
Level of danger
AI safety advocates and critics
Concerns are growing after Jacob Coxon said some people building AI believe it could kill everyone by the end of the decade.
Sacks, Trump and industry advisers
Sacks said public alarm is being driven by advocacy campaigns and media coverage using a recurring fear-based strategy.
Role of government
AI safety advocates and critics
Calls for new federal AI rules reflect concerns that existing approaches may not adequately address potential dangers.
Sacks, Trump and industry advisers
Sacks said new regulation is unnecessary, while Trump said the United States needs only a strong president.
Responsibility for safety
AI safety advocates and critics
The reported risks have prompted demands for stronger oversight of AI development.
Sacks, Trump and industry advisers
Sacks said AI developers should ensure their products are safe and be held liable when problems arise.
- Speaker
- David Sacks, a venture capitalist and co-chair of the president’s technology advisory board
- Position
- Sacks said AI concerns reflect a recurring “fear-mongering playbook.”
- Regulation
- Sacks said new federal AI regulation is not needed.
- Company responsibility
- He said AI developers should ensure product safety and be held liable if problems arise.
- Trump’s view
- President Donald Trump said the United States needs a strong president rather than new AI rules and called regulatory demands a “hoax.”
- Safety concern
- Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon said some AI developers believe AI could kill people by the end of the decade.
- Event
- Sacks made his remarks by video at a Politico event in Washington.