A select group of tech industry titans and venture capitalists are gathering in Washington, D.C., to welcome the incoming Trump administration and celebrate new opportunities for global innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship.
Invitations to Thursday’s dinner include prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Joe Lonsdale. The event is organized by Outside the Box Ventures, a firm founded by journalist-turned-investment banker Katherine Tarbox, along with Laurent Bili, the French ambassador to the U.S.
The gathering represents more than just discussion; it symbolizes a new chapter in public-private collaboration to harness AI’s transformative power for the nation’s future. American entrepreneurs believe this partnership will help the US stay competitive in AI development and adoption, particularly in light of China’s rapidly advancing AI technology.
US companies received over 40% of global AI funding in 2023, surpassing China and the European Union combined. The incoming administration aims to replicate its success with Operation Warp Speed, a COVID-19 vaccine program that demonstrated the power of industry-government collaboration.
However, analysts warn that China’s AI advancements pose a challenge to American dominance and may threaten national security. A recent report by the American Edge Project cautions that China is using open-source AI tools as an alternative to American technology, potentially undermining US leadership and global security.
The Trump administration’s approach to AI will likely be deregulatory, with President-elect Trump revoking a Biden-era executive order on federal agency AI purchases and uses. The new AI czar, David Sacks, signals this thinking, which may lead to fewer restraints on AI innovation but potentially increased competition from China.
The dinner comes at a critical juncture for the US, which leads the world in AI startups but faces tough competition from foreign adversaries. Industry leaders hope that the Trump administration will support American innovators and foster collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
This event marks a shift in the tech industry’s approach to politics, with Silicon Valley’s growing interest in building relationships with a Republican administration. The recognition of AI as a national priority has bridged the gap between Big Tech and the GOP, paving the way for increased collaboration and innovation.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/elon-musk-ai-tech-titans-venture-capitalists-invited-pre-inauguration-dinner-dawn-trump-era