The idea of President Donald Trump returning to office has stirred up debates about what his policies could mean for the tech industry, particularly AI and Big Tech. With Trump’s unpredictable style and strong views, this re-election could lead to seismic shifts in the tech landscape—and not all changes may be for the better.
So, what can we expect if Trump takes the reins once more as president in 2024? Let's break down the possible impacts on AI, antitrust regulations, and who might be on Trump’s team this time around.
Trump’s approach to Big Tech has always been mixed, but one thing is almost certain: a second term would likely mean rolling back many of Biden’s regulatory efforts. Many speculate that Trump’s administration would aim to dismantle restrictive policies, especially those introduced under Biden appointee Lina Khan, who currently heads the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Khan’s “tough on Big Tech” approach has put companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon under the microscope. But her role may be up in the air if Trump wins, as he’s shown little patience for strict regulatory oversight on these giants.
With someone else in charge at the FTC, Trump’s team might bring more business-friendly, pro-tech growth views, leading to less government intervention. Trump has repeatedly called Facebook an “enemy of the people,” and his past administration took on Google over search monopoly issues. Could we see more of that? It’s possible. Plus, Trump’s Vice President for 2024, rumored to be JD Vance, has shown support for lighter tech regulations.
The conversation around AI regulation is complex, with Trump and his advisors—possibly including billionaire Elon Musk—having shown mixed opinions. Musk, known for his influence in both the tech and political arenas, could play a central role if Trump assigns him to help reshape federal tech policy. While Musk has his own AI interests through his xAI company, he’s no fan of overly strict AI rules. This is in contrast to the approach of the Biden administration, which took a cautious stance toward AI with executive orders on risks like job displacement and data privacy.
Trump has openly criticized these “leftwing ideas” and seems to favor a more hands-off approach to AI, which could benefit companies like Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI. But, as some experts point out, this hands-off strategy could mean more risks for consumers, with concerns about AI bias and job loss remaining unaddressed. AI-powered misinformation is also a hot topic, especially when considering how social media impacts events like Trump’s rally dates and public opinion during elections.
Related: How a Trump-Musk Alliance Could Reshape Big Tech
If Trump wins, Musk’s influence could skyrocket. Trump has hinted at bringing Musk onboard to help overhaul government policies related to tech and innovation, making Musk an even bigger figure in the political tech scene. Tesla’s shares recently surged on this possibility, but with Musk already stretched between various ventures, it’s unclear how much more he could take on. Nonetheless, the tech industry is paying close attention to Trump’s rally dates and campaign promises, especially regarding Big Tech and space exploration—two areas where Musk has a vested interest.
One potential outcome of Trump’s 2024 presidency is an isolationist shift, which could allow China to expand its influence in AI. Trump has expressed skepticism toward foreign entanglements, which could limit collaborative efforts with other countries on AI standards and innovations. This could give China more room to become a global leader in AI tech, creating tension in the international AI race.
Related: The Growing Competition Between the U.S. and China
President Donald Trump’s re-election could be a game-changer for the technology sector. Between his historical aversion to strict regulation and the new potential for Musk’s involvement, the next four years may see Big Tech giants get more freedom, but it could come with trade-offs for consumers. For anyone invested in AI, antitrust, and global tech influence, 2024 could be a pivotal year with significant implications worldwide.
So as we watch Trump’s campaign unfold, including Trump’s rally dates and his picks for key roles, one thing is clear: the tech industry may never look the same. From Big Tech’s antitrust battles to the future of AI regulation, the next chapter under Trump 2.0 promises to be as unpredictable as the man himself.
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