How the 2025 presidential election could shape the future of artificial intelligence in America and beyond

The clock is ticking on what could be the most important technological crossroads in American history. As voters prepare to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, they’re not just selecting a president, they’re choosing between two radically different visions of how the world’s most powerful nation will approach the AI ​​revolution.

This tough choice comes at a crucial time. Artificial intelligence has evolved from a fascinating technological novelty into a force reshaping everything from the way we work to the way nations compete for global supremacy. Google CEO Sundar Pichai wasn’t exaggerating when he declared that artificial intelligence would be “deeper than fire” — and now America’s approach to this transformative technology hangs in the balance.

A tale of two technical philosophies

The contrast between the candidates’ positions on artificial intelligence could not be more striking, although they share some common ground on crucial issues. Harris, following in President Biden’s footsteps, advocates for what she calls “responsible innovation” — an approach that emphasizes ethical guidelines, international cooperation and robust privacy protections.

The landmark of the Biden administration executive order from last year exemplifies this philosophy, requiring AI developers to conduct rigorous safety testing and share the results with government watchdogs. More recently, the administration has shown its pragmatic side in dealing with immigration cadres attract global AI talentrecognizing that innovation should not be sacrificed for regulation.

Trump’s vision is at the opposite end of the spectrum. His proposal deregulatory approach includes a promise to dismantle Biden’s executive order, arguing that excessive surveillance threatens America’s competitive edge in the global artificial intelligence race. This stance has drawn both praise from free-market advocates and criticism from those who fear it could unleash Potentially dangerous AI applications without adequate guarantees.

The Trump-Musk factor

Trump’s stance on artificial intelligence has gained further attention through his alliance with Elon Musk, another prominent proponent of minimal government intervention. Musk’s AI chatbot Grok-2 has become something of a symbol for this philosophy, notably operating with fewer restrictions than competitors like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.

Finding common ground on China

Despite their differences, both candidates align on one crucial issue: maintaining restrictions on China’s access to American AI technology. This rare point of agreement reflects a bipartisan recognition of both national security concerns and the importance of protecting U.S. commercial interests in the technology sector.

The stakes couldn’t be higher

The tech industry is watching this election with unprecedented intensity. A recent one EY survey shows that 74% of technology leaders believe the outcome of the election will have a significant impact on their global competitiveness. With 82% of companies planning to increase their investments in artificial intelligence by more than 50% in the next year, the regulatory landscape shaped by the next president will have far-reaching implications.

A Harris victory would likely strengthen international cooperation on AI governance while emphasizing ethical considerations and user protection. However, this approach raises questions about whether increased oversight could inadvertently slow innovation and benefit America’s global competitors.

Conversely, a Trump victory would likely usher in an era of minimal government intervention that could accelerate AI development but raise concerns about unintended societal consequences and ethical implications.

The big picture

The AI ​​policy debate reflects larger philosophical differences about the role of government in technological progress. While there may not be a clear “right” or “wrong” approach, the implementation of these policies will likely matter more than their theoretical underpinnings.

As November 5 approaches, voters face a choice that extends far beyond traditional political considerations. They help determine how America will navigate the most transformative technology of our time—and potentially reshape the global AI landscape for years to come.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the impact of this election on the development of artificial intelligence will reverberate far beyond America’s borders, influencing how this transformative technology evolves in an increasingly interconnected world.