Vice President JD Vance is coming out to bat for AI. On Tuesday, he reportedly said that the U.S. will safeguard American artificial intelligence (AI) and chips and block efforts to “weaponize” the critical technologies.
“Some authoritarian regimes have stolen and used AI to strengthen their military intelligence and surveillance capabilities, capture foreign data and create propaganda to undermine other nations’ national security,” Vance said in an address at France’s AI Action Summit in Paris.
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He added that he wanted to be clear that this administration will block such attempts, full stop. He went on to say that they will safeguard American AI and chip technologies from theft and misuse, work with their allies and partners to strengthen and extend these protections and close pathways to adversaries attaining AI capabilities that could threaten all of their people.
Though he did not directly address China’s new AI model DeepSeek, he did say, “We’re all familiar with cheap tech in the marketplace that’s been heavily subsidized and exported by authoritarian regimes.”
The U.S. position on AI focuses on promoting innovation, economic growth, and global leadership, while ensuring safety and ethical use. The government encourages investment in AI research across sectors like healthcare, defense, and finance. It supports collaboration between academia, the private sector, and federal agencies to drive AI advancements.
Ethical considerations are a key priority, with efforts to establish guidelines on fairness, accountability, and transparency.
While the U.S. is cautious about heavy regulation, it is increasingly focused on balancing innovation with safeguards to avoid negative consequences, such as job displacement or misuse. The U.S. also aims to stay competitive with other global leaders in AI, particularly China and the EU, positioning itself as a dominant force in AI research and applications.
Paris AI Action Summit overview
The Paris AI Action Summit, held between February 10 to 11, 2025, was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event brought together global leaders, including heads of state, technology CEOs, and experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
“We need global standards to deal with issues concerning AI,” Modi said while understating that AI is transforming millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more.
Macron announced a €109 billion or approximately $112 billion investment from the private sector to advance AI, positioning France as a leader in the field. The summit focused on the need for international cooperation and ethical AI development, balancing innovation with responsible governance.
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Macron also proposed regulatory reforms inspired by the Notre-Dame restoration project to expedite AI-related processes. Discussions highlighted AI’s potential environmental impact and its role in increasing global inequalities.
The summit aimed to ensure AI benefits society, addressing both its promises and challenges. It featured cultural events that showcased AI’s intersection with art and technology, reinforcing the event’s global, inclusive approach.