Trump signs AI access directive amid MAGA factional tensions
The directive emerges as President Donald Trump attends a summit in Beijing with President Xi Jinping, coinciding with positive market reactions to semiconductor approvals.
President Donald Trump has signed a directive permitting the US government to gain early access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence models. The order was finalised following reported internal conflict within the MAGA faction, according to reporting by the Financial Times.
The directive marks a significant shift in how the US government engages with advanced technology development. By securing early access to these models, the administration aims to maintain oversight and strategic advantage in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The signing occurs against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic activity in Asia. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have commenced a two-day summit in Beijing, marking the first visit by an American president to China since 2017. The agenda for the talks covers trade, artificial intelligence, and regional security issues, including the Strait of Hormuz.
US markets reacted positively to the broader geopolitical developments. Major indices rose on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.8%, the S&P 500 rising 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbing 0.2%. Nvidia shares surged more than 2% following news that the US approved H200 chip sales to Chinese firms.
High-profile technology leaders, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Jensen Huang, are attending the Beijing summit alongside the president. Their presence underscores the intersection of government policy and private sector innovation in the current regulatory environment.
