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Tag: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
May 22, 2025
TECH

OpenAI Scientist Wants to Build Bunker Before Releasing Artificial General Intelligence.

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❓What Happened: Former OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever reportedly discussed building a bunker in preparation for the release of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

👥 Who’s Involved: Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI leadership, CEO Sam Altman, and researchers within the company.

📍 Where & When: OpenAI, summer 2023, leading up to the November 2023 attempted ouster of Altman.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re definitely going to build a bunker before we release AGI,” Sutskever said during a meeting.

⚠️ Impact: Sutskever’s fixation on AGI and related concerns contributed to internal strife at OpenAI, culminating in his role in an unsuccessful coup against Altman, dubbed “The Blip.”

IN FULL:

OpenAI’s former Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, reportedly suggested constructing a bunker to prepare for the potential risks associated with artificial general intelligence (AGI), according to new details shared by insiders familiar with the 2023 tumult at the top of the artificial intelligence (AI) company. The revelations, which emerged in interviews conducted by journalist Karen Hao, highlight Sutskever’s intense preoccupation with AGI and its implications.

During a summer 2023 meeting, Sutskever reportedly stated, “We’re definitely going to build a bunker before we release AGI.” Two other individuals who attended the meeting corroborated the account, with one describing Sutskever’s AGI beliefs as akin to anticipating a “rapture.”

AGI refers to a form of AI capable of grasping any intellectual tasks a human being can and carrying them out, possibly more effectively. Sutskever, who co-founded OpenAI, has long been vocal about his views on AGI, even claiming in 2022 that some AI models might be “slightly conscious.” His concerns about AGI’s development reportedly deepened by mid-2023, alongside growing dissatisfaction with OpenAI’s handling of the technology.

This unease played a role in Sutskever’s decision to join other board members in a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman in November 2023. However, sources indicated that Sutskever’s resolve wavered as OpenAI employees rallied behind Altman. He later retracted his opposition to Altman’s leadership, though this effort to salvage his position ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The internal turmoil, referred to by OpenAI insiders as “The Blip,” underscores the divisions within the company over its direction and the risks of AGI. Despite Sutskever’s departure, the debate over AGI’s future and its potential consequences continues to loom large over OpenAI and the broader tech industry.

Recently, OpenAI announced it was partnering with a start-up founded by Jony Ive, famous for his work on Apple hardware, especially the design of the iPhone. While neither Ive nor Altman has revealed what sort of hardware product the partnership will produce, it is speculated that it will focus on “physical AI embodiments,” essentially moving the AI technology to other forms besides computers.

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May 19, 2025
NatSec
TECH

Apple’s New China AI Partner Is Raising Major National Security Concerns.

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❓What Happened: Apple’s plan to integrate Alibaba’s artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones for the Chinese market faces scrutiny from Republican and Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

👥 Who’s Involved: Apple, Alibaba, U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and national security officials.

📍 Where & When: China and the United States; ongoing discussions, including a March meeting with the House Select Committee on China.

💬 Key Quote: “Alibaba is a poster child for the Chinese Communist Party’s military-civil fusion strategy, and why Apple would choose to work with them on AI is anyone’s guess,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

⚠️ Impact: Concerns over potential data-sharing, surveillance, and military tech development linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

IN FULL:

Apple’s collaboration with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in iPhones sold in China has sparked significant concerns among U.S. lawmakers and national security officials in President Donald J. Trump’s administration. The partnership, aimed at integrating Alibaba’s AI models into Apple devices, has raised alarms over potential risks related to data-sharing, surveillance, and military technology development.

The deal has prompted scrutiny over whether Alibaba, a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), could gain access to sensitive data or technical insights through the arrangement. Officials worry such access might contribute to state-run programs, including those tied to China’s military objectives.

During a March meeting with the House Select Committee on China, Apple executives reportedly struggled to provide clear answers about the scope of the agreement with Alibaba. Questions remain about what kind of user data might be shared and whether Apple has agreed to comply with Chinese regulations that could demand broader data access or restrict certain functionalities.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Apple’s lack of transparency, saying, “It is extremely disturbing that Apple has not been transparent about its agreement.” He added, “Alibaba is a poster child for the Chinese Communist Party’s military-civil fusion strategy, and why Apple would choose to work with them on AI is anyone’s guess.”

Apple’s push to expand its AI offerings globally, including in China, is part of its broader growth strategy. China is Apple’s second-largest market, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the company’s global revenue. However, this effort comes with risks, particularly as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated.

The U.S. government has already imposed restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors and tools. Lawmakers fear that commercial collaborations, such as Apple’s partnership with Alibaba, could undermine these efforts by indirectly aiding China’s technological advancements in areas with potential military applications, including autonomous weapons and drone coordination.

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April 23, 2025
Economy
TECH

Intel Set to Slash Over 20% of Workforce.

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❓What Happened: Intel reportedly plans to reduce its workforce by more than 20 percent.

👥 Who’s Involved: Intel, CEO Lip-Bu Tan, and rival company Nvidia.

📍 Where & When: Announcement expected this week, unspecified global regions affected.

⚠️ Impact: The tech company faces challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) computing and supply chain disruptions.

IN FULL:

Intel Corp. is preparing to announce a significant workforce reduction, potentially cutting over 20 percent of its employees to address declining sales and bolster its focus on engineering, according to reports. This decision comes as the U.S. semiconductor giant works to regain its competitive edge, having lagged behind companies like Nvidia in artificial intelligence (AI) computing.

Sources indicate that the new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, who recently assumed leadership, aims to streamline operations and enhance the company’s engineering focus. However, Intel has not verified reports of the planned layoffs. The specifics regarding which regions might be affected also remain unclear.

While the corporate media appears to be readying itself to blame President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policy for Intel’s struggles, an exemption for computer parts and related products is already in place, and Nvidia is responding to the new situation over the longer term by reshoring production to the U.S.

Notably, Intel already reduced its workforce by approximately 15,000 under former President Joe Biden last year, ending with 108,900 employees, compared to 124,800 in the previous period.

Once recognized as the premier computer chipmaker worldwide, Intel has been overtaken by firms more adept at capitalizing on AI advancements and the corresponding demand for specialized chips. The company’s approach to AI, now widely seen as a transformative technology, has been considered sluggish.

Image by Nick Knupffer.

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April 15, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Pledges Fast-Track for Nvidia’s $500 Billion Investment.

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❓What Happened: NVIDIA plans a substantial investment in U.S. infrastructure to create AI supercomputers.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, announcement made on April 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time.” — Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Potential growth in U.S. chip manufacturing; concerns about the impact of tariffs on demand.

IN FULL:

Tech giant NVIDIA has announced a major push to manufacture artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers in the United States, committing to a $500 billion investment. This marks the first time the company will build its AI infrastructure domestically. President Donald J. Trump responded to the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing that necessary permits for NVIDIA and similar businesses will be expedited to support what he described as the “Golden Age of America.”

The initiative involves over a million square feet dedicated to the production and testing of NVIDIA’s specialized Blackwell chips in Arizona, alongside the assembly of AI supercomputers in Texas. This investment is expected to realize up to half a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure over the next four years.

NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the strategic advantage of U.S.-based manufacturing. Huang stated it allows the company to better meet the demand for AI technology while fortifying supply chains and increasing operational resilience. “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” Huang said.

The announcement comes amid the Trump Administration’s stance that partial tariff waivers for electronics, such as phones and computer parts, are temporary. These waivers will remain until a new, industry-specific tariff strategy is devised. Trump’s economic strategy encourages global manufacturers to relocate production to the U.S.

The move by NVIDIA  comes after President Trump announced a significant investment by South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai last month. The company will invest $21 billion in the United States. At least $5.8 billion of which will be invested in a new steel plant in Louisiana, providing over 1,400 jobs.

President Trump’s tariff policies have brought nearly all affected countries to the negotiating table except China. The Communist-led government has instead opted for its own retaliatory tariffs.

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April 14, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Trump Tariffs Spur NVIDIA to Manufacture AI Supercomputers ‘Entirely in the U.S.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: NVIDIA is launching U.S.-based manufacturing of AI supercomputers and Blackwell chips in Arizona and Texas, spurred by President Trump’s tariffs.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA, TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, SPIL, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, with mass production expected to ramp up in 12-15 months, announced April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s tariffs are driving tech giants to invest in America, boosting jobs and economic security.

IN FULL:

NVIDIA is bringing the production of its artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers and Blackwell chips to the United States, spurred by President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing. The company has partnered with TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, and SPIL, securing over a million square feet of manufacturing space in Arizona and Texas to build and test these advanced technologies.

In Arizona, TSMC’s Phoenix plants have begun producing NVIDIA Blackwell chips, while Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas are constructing supercomputer manufacturing facilities. Mass production is slated to scale up within the next 12-15 months. NVIDIA anticipates producing up to half a trillion dollars of AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next four years, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving trillions in economic growth.

“The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s founder and CEO. He emphasized that adding American manufacturing strengthens supply chain resilience and meets the soaring demand for AI technology.

President Trump’s tariffs, designed to penalize offshoring and reward U.S. investment, have pushed NVIDIA to prioritize American factories. Tariffs have disrupted reliance on overseas supply chains, encouraging tech leaders to bet on American workers instead.

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April 9, 2025
TECH

Trump White House Sets Guidelines for AI Use in Federal Agencies.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The White House Office of Management and Budget has issued revised policies on using artificial intelligence (AI) within federal agencies.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Office of Management and Budget, the Assistant to the President on Science and Technology, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Washington D.C., announced April 7.

💬 Key Quote: “President Trump recognizes that AI is a technology that will define the future,” Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director of the White House OSTP, said.

⚠️ Impact: The policies are designed to maintain American leadership in AI, ensure efficient taxpayer spending, foster a competitive AI marketplace, and safeguard privacy and civil rights.

IN FULL:

The White House Office of Management and Budget has introduced updates to its guidance on artificial intelligence (AI). The move aims to enhance the adoption and procurement of AI technologies across federal agencies. This step aligns with a directive outlined in a recent executive order from President Donald J. Trump, which seeks to eliminate hindrances to U.S. dominance in AI technology.

Lynne Parker, the Principal Deputy Director for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasized the administration’s dedication to nurturing an environment that promotes American innovation in AI: “President Trump recognizes that AI is a technology that will define the future. This administration is focused on encouraging and promoting American AI innovation and global leadership, which starts with utilizing these emerging technologies within the Federal Government,” Parker said.

According to officials, this initiative aims to ensure AI applications drive efficiency within government processes and elevate public confidence through enhanced government transparency.

Last month, President Trump penned a letter to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The letter highlighted a renewed push to make America a global leader in cutting-edge technologies, including AI.

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March 28, 2025
Science
TECH

Trump Pens Letter to WH Science Chief – ‘Blaze a Trail to the Next Frontiers.’

IN BRIEF:

❓What Happened: A letter was sent outlining a strategic vision to renew and enhance the United States’ leadership in science and technology innovation, aiming to create a Golden Age of American Innovation.

👥 Who’s Involved: The letter was addressed to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, referencing historical figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vannevar Bush.

📍 Where & When: The letter was dated March 26, 2025, and is focused on the United States.

💬 Key Quote: “I am calling upon you to blaze a trail to the next frontiers of science.” — President Donald J. Trump.

⚠️ Impact: The vision aims to secure U.S. leadership in critical technologies, advance the science and technology enterprise, and drive economic growth and prosperity.

IN FULL:

A recent letter penned by President Donald J. Trump highlights a renewed push for American innovation, aiming to position the United States as a leader in technological and scientific fields. Addressed to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and reflecting on historical achievements such as the Manhattan Project and the Apollo Program, the letter advocates for a resurgence in American prowess in science and technology.

“The Manhattan Project fueled the atomic era. The Apollo Program won us the space race. The internet connected us to a digital future. Today, we will usher in the Golden Age of American Innovation,” President Trump writes, adding: “We will make America safer, healthier, and more prosperous than ever before. We will create a future of American greatness for every citizen, restoring the American Dream.”

Drawing inspiration from a correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vannevar Bush during World War II, President Trump’s letter emphasizes the importance of mobilizing government, industry, and academia to advance national interests. “As World War II drew towards a close, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote a letter like this one to his science and technology advisor, Vannevar Bush, charging him to explore new frontiers of the mind for the sake of national greatness and pioneer science in peacetime,” Trump states, similarly challenging Kratsios. The President continues: “Dr. Bush’s response laid the groundwork for the uniquely successful American partnership of Government, industry, and academia that built the greatest and most productive nation in human history.”

The letter meticulously outlines strategic imperatives to maintain technological supremacy. Key proposals include accelerating research and development, eliminating regulatory constraints, and reinforcing domestic supply chains. It further suggests that private sector investment should be invigorated, bolstering American companies’ competitiveness on the global stage. The priority is to ensure that the U.S. regains its status as an innovation powerhouse, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum sciences, and nuclear technology.

Official White House Photo by Molly Riley.

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March 23, 2025
William Upton
News

AI, Crypto Data Could Soon Use Over 10% of All U.S. Electricity.

The increasing power demands required for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and cryptocurrency could see United States-based data centers consume upwards of 12 percent of all total domestic electricity by 2028, according to a Department of Energy (DOE) report. This would be a significant increase from the estimated 4.4 percent of total electricity supply consumption attributed to data centers in 2023.

“The report finds that data centers consumed about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume approximately 6.7 to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. The report indicates that total data center electricity usage climbed from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023 and estimates an increase between 325 to 580 TWh by 2028,” the DOE report states.

Notably, DOE officials say policies such as adding greater flexibility for data centers to engage in on-site power generation could ease increasing burdens on electrical grids. Additionally, President Donald J. Trump announced his administration is aiming to bring back online a number of coal-fired power plants—ostensibly to boost U.S. electricity capacity and counter China’s advantage from the use of coal-fired power.

Both artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are power-intensive in technology industries, and companies in those sectors have pushed for greater electrical grid capacity and relief on power consumption costs. Some regions of the United States saw significant jumps in electricity prices under former President Joe Biden—especially industrial price rates. The National Pulse reported last year that Minnesota—under Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), the failed Democratic Party vice presidential candidate—has seen industrial electric rates soar—reaching 30 percent higher than the national average.

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The increasing power demands required for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and cryptocurrency could see United States-based data centers consume upwards of 12 percent of all total domestic electricity by 2028, according to a Department of Energy (DOE) report. This would be a significant increase from the estimated 4.4 percent of total electricity supply consumption attributed to data centers in 2023. show more
March 21, 2025
William Upton
Economy

This Country Just Pledged to Invest $1.4 Trillion in the U.S. After Meeting Trump.

A $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States has been agreed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after top leaders from the Gulf state met with President Donald J. Trump at the White House earlier this week. According to the White House, the agreement will see a significant increase in existing UAE investments in the American economy—with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and energy technologies.

“The evening demonstrated the long-standing ties and bonds of friendship between our countries. UAE and the U.S. have long been partners in the work to bring peace and security to the Middle East and the World,” President Trump said after his Tuesday meeting with UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He added: “Discussions also included ways for our countries to increase our partnership for the advancing of our economic and technological futures.”

The leadership of several UAE sovereign wealth funds and corporations joined President Trump and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed.

The framework commits the UAE to several significant American technology investments, including a $25 billion joint venture between the UAE investment fund ADQ and U.S. partner Energy Capital Partners to expand U.S. energy infrastructure and data centers. Additionally, XRG—an energy investment firm owned by the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC)—has committed “to support U.S. natural gas production and exports with an investment in the Next Decade LNG export facility in Texas.” Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) will form a $1.2 billion mining partnership with Orion Resource Partners aimed at extracting critical minerals.

Other investments include the construction of an aluminum smelter and an AI Infrastructure Partnership, which aims to mobilize $100 billion in investments to build next-generation data centers.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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A $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States has been agreed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after top leaders from the Gulf state met with President Donald J. Trump at the White House earlier this week. According to the White House, the agreement will see a significant increase in existing UAE investments in the American economy—with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and energy technologies. show more
March 4, 2025
Wake Up Right
News

Melania Trump Fights Revenge Porn.

First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since returning to the White House, urging Congress to pass the Take It Down Act—a bill criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual explicit images, including AI-generated deepfakes.

The details: Melania spoke alongside victims of online abuse, including teens targeted by AI-generated explicit images, to urge Congress to act “with a common goal, to protect our youth from online harm.”

The bill: The Take It Down Act is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, which would criminalize the sharing of nonconsensual intimate images (authentic or AI) with penalties of up to three years in prison. It would also require social media platforms to remove flagged content within 48 hours.

Victims: The First Lady was joined by several victims, including Elliston Berry, who at just 14 years old had a fake image of her face on a naked body circulated online. She told lawmakers:

  • “I felt responsible and ashamed to tell my parents, despite doing nothing wrong.”

Melania swipes at absent Democrats: At the event, the First Lady said: “I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. Surely, as adults, we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics.”

Trump comments: During the event’s live broadcast, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Watching our First Lady now, great job!”

Next steps: The bill was passed in the Senate unanimously and will head to the House for approval before arriving on President Trump’s desk.

The last word goes to Melania, who said: “Addressing this issue is essential for fostering a safe and supportive environment for our young people.”

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First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since returning to the White House, urging Congress to pass the Take It Down Act—a bill criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual explicit images, including AI-generated deepfakes. show more