Trump faces bipartisan congressional push for AI regulation

President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to implement federal guardrails for artificial intelligence. Despite Trump dismissing AI safety concerns as a hoax, members of Congress are increasingly concerned about the potential for existential threats and cybersecurity risks posed by advanced models. Public sentiment, supported by recent surveys, shows strong bipartisan support for a new federal agency to monitor AI and mandate safety testing. While politicians agree on the need for oversight, they remain divided on the scope of regulation, with some fearing that strict rules could hinder national security and competitiveness against China. As Congress holds briefings with researchers and safety advocates, the debate intensifies over whether the industry can self-regulate or if legislative intervention is required to prevent catastrophic outcomes, despite skepticism regarding the current Congress's capacity to pass meaningful reform.