America's AI leaders have dramatically changed their tune from warning about extinction-level threats to dismissing critics as "AI doomers." Public polls reveal a clear consensus that AI will do more harm than good, with NBC poll showing AI's negative rating below ICE. Despite these concerns, Silicon Valley's lobbying clout, amplified by Trump's alliance with tech billionaires, continues to push for unfettered advancement.

Trump's administration has actively blocked state-level AI regulations through pre-emption rules, then issued executive orders favoring the industry when Congress pushed back. The tech sector plays both sides of China policy - advocating hawkish positions domestically while lobbying Trump to sell advanced chips to Chinese companies like those wanted by Jensen Huang of Nvidia. This contradiction remains unaddressed.

The AI industry's influence stems from its market valuation power. Trump's "Pluto-populist" alliance with tech elites means serious regulation is unlikely during his presidency. While Trump may raise AI cooperation with Xi, broader risks requiring joint US-China solutions remain unaddressed. Tech giants maintain their priority status in Trump's America, far exceeding blue-collar concerns.