Petition Pushes for Elon Musk as Trump’s Adviser on AI Policy

A new public petition is urging President-elect Donald Trump to appoint Elon Musk as a special adviser on AI, advocating for Musk’s expertise to help guide U.S. policy in artificial intelligence. Launched by Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) on Friday, the petition emphasizes Musk’s ability to help the U.S. maintain its lead in AI while ensuring its safe and responsible deployment.

A Strong AI Advocate and Critic

Elon Musk has been vocal about AI’s potential risks and was among the initial cofounders of OpenAI. Despite his early involvement, Musk has distanced himself from the company, which he now openly critiques. He even signed a letter calling for a pause on the development of advanced generative AI models until proper safety measures are implemented. Though Musk’s critics question his motivations, given that he now runs his own AI company, xAI, supporters argue that Musk’s influence could enhance AI safety standards in the U.S.

ARI's Vision for Musk as AI Safety Champion

Led by former Democratic representative Brad Carson, ARI believes Musk’s involvement would be an asset to the Trump administration. The petition argues that, with "proper mechanisms" to manage any potential conflicts of interest, Musk could help shape AI policy in a way that balances innovation with public safety. ARI hopes to gather at least 10,000 signatures to bolster their request.

“Musk could emerge as a champion for AI safety in the administration,” ARI policy analyst David Robusto wrote in a recent blog post. Robusto cites Musk’s support for AI safety initiatives, like the proposed California AI safety bill SB 1047, as evidence of his commitment to responsible AI development. Although Musk has not detailed specific policies he would recommend, Robusto suggests this openness could allow for Musk’s views to evolve through public discussion.

Navigating Potential Conflicts of Interest

Robusto acknowledges that Musk’s role as an AI adviser would need guardrails to address potential conflicts with his own AI company, xAI. ARI contends that “with proper guardrails in place, his unique combination of technical expertise and safety advocacy could be a valuable asset in developing responsible AI governance.”

Musk’s Broader Aspirations for Government Reform

In recent comments, Musk floated the idea of leading a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) to overhaul U.S. regulatory frameworks. Robusto suggests that if Musk does pursue this role, he could still promote AI safety by preserving key agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which would play a central role in AI safety policy. Additionally, if Musk were to implement large-scale government layoffs to cut costs, Robusto speculates that AI tools might take on a larger role to handle the reduced workforce’s tasks.

What This Means

The push for Musk as a potential AI policy adviser highlights the rising urgency of AI safety and regulation. While Musk’s experience and influence in AI could be assets in navigating the complex landscape of AI governance, his potential conflicts of interest and general approach to government reform bring questions. If appointed, Musk’s role could offer both unique insights and challenges, setting the tone for U.S. leadership in AI safety and innovation.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.