Introduction to AI and Trump’s Comments
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that AI was “taking over the world,” and joked that he hoped tech executives understood it better than he did. The comment came as Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a gathering of business and technology leaders in London during the president’s second state visit to Britain. Among those present was Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company has become central to the global AI boom.
Trump’s Admission of Limited Knowledge
Breaking from a prepared speech about US-UK ties, fresh partnerships, and billions of dollars in pledged investments, Trump admitted he had little knowledge of AI. “This will create new government, academic, and private sector cooperation in areas like AI, which is taking over the world […] I’m looking at you guys. You’re taking over the world. Jensen, I don’t know what you’re doing here,” Trump said, drawing laughter from Starmer and the audience.
Trump and Starmer Sign AI-Focused Tech Deal
The highlight of the event was the signing of a “Tech Prosperity Deal,” which sets out plans for the two countries to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies. The deal covers projects like developing AI models for healthcare, advancing quantum computing, and modernising nuclear programmes. As part of the agreement, Nvidia committed to deploying 120,000 GPUs in Britain. It will be the company’s largest rollout in Europe.
Nvidia’s Partnership with Intel
Separately on Thursday, Nvidia revealed a $5 billion investment in Intel, coupled with a collaboration with Intel on new products. The two companies will work together on custom data centres that support AI systems and on processors for personal computers. Nvidia said it plans to buy Intel stock at $23.28 a share, subject to regulatory approval. The investment comes as Intel looks to regain ground after years of decline.
Impact of the Partnership
“The historic collaboration tightly couples Nvidia’s AI and accelerated computing stack with Intel’s CPUs and the vast x86 ecosystem – a fusion of two world-class platforms,” Huang said. “Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing.” For data centres, Intel will design chips that support Nvidia’s AI infrastructure. For desktop PCs, Intel will manufacture processors that integrate Nvidia’s technology, giving the firm a chance to push into areas where it has lost momentum.
A Lifeline for Intel
The partnership offers a boost for Intel, once the backbone of personal computers but now struggling to keep pace. The company missed the shift to smartphones after Apple’s iPhone transformed the market in 2007, and more recently it has lagged behind in the AI hardware race. Nvidia, meanwhile, has become the world’s most valuable company. Investors reacted quickly: Intel’s shares jumped 30% in premarket trading, while Nvidia’s stock rose nearly 3%.
Trump Administration Monitors AI Competition
While partnerships expand, US regulators are also tightening their focus on competition in AI. Speaking at a conference in New York, Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater said the US Justice Department is on alert for anticompetitive behaviour in the sector. “The competitive dynamics of each layer of the AI stack and how they interrelate, with a particular eye towards exclusionary behaviour that forecloses access to key inputs and distribution channels, are legitimate areas for antitrust inquiry,” she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Trump’s comments on AI and the signing of the Tech Prosperity Deal highlight the importance of cooperation in emerging technologies. The partnership between Nvidia and Intel is a significant development in the AI hardware race, and US regulators are closely monitoring competition in the sector. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial for governments and companies to work together to ensure that its benefits are shared by all.
FAQs
Q: What did Trump say about AI?
A: Trump said that AI was “taking over the world” and joked that he hoped tech executives understood it better than he did.
Q: What is the Tech Prosperity Deal?
A: The Tech Prosperity Deal is an agreement between the US and UK to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, including AI.
Q: What is the partnership between Nvidia and Intel?
A: Nvidia and Intel have partnered to work together on custom data centres that support AI systems and on processors for personal computers.
Q: Why is the partnership important for Intel?
A: The partnership offers a boost for Intel, which has been struggling to keep pace in the AI hardware race.
Q: What is the US Justice Department doing to monitor AI competition?
A: The US Justice Department is on alert for anticompetitive behaviour in the AI sector and is closely monitoring competition in the sector.
