U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected calls to slow down the development of artificial intelligence, accusing critics of creating what he described as a “conspiracy” against the industry.

Trump has instead defended the rapid expansion of AI in the United States, arguing that maintaining American leadership in the sector is essential, particularly amid growing competition with China.

The comments come as several technology leaders and AI experts call for stronger safeguards around increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems. Some industry figures have warned that the rapid development of advanced AI could create significant risks if safety measures fail to keep pace.

Trump, however, has maintained that excessive regulation could undermine U.S. competitiveness and innovation. His administration has increasingly emphasized the need to support AI development while strengthening America’s position in the global technology race.

The debate highlights a growing divide over the future of AI. Supporters of faster development argue that the United States must move quickly to maintain its technological advantage. Critics, meanwhile, are calling for stronger oversight covering issues such as AI safety, misinformation, privacy and the impact of increasingly autonomous systems.

The issue is also gaining importance at the state level, where lawmakers are considering different approaches to regulating AI applications, including protections for children, transparency requirements and the use of AI in sensitive areas.

For Trump, slowing down the sector could ultimately weaken America’s position in the global AI race. His administration therefore continues to prioritize technological innovation while facing growing pressure to establish stronger safeguards for the development and deployment of advanced AI.