Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro directly challenged the Trump administration's approach to artificial intelligence this week, arguing the United States needs tougher federal rules for the rapidly advancing technology. Speaking at the AI Horizons Conference in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Shapiro warned that the administration is not establishing sufficient safeguards for AI.
Shapiro, a Democrat widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, outlined specific demands for federal regulation. He called for independent oversight of the most powerful AI models, greater transparency into their development, and mandatory safety requirements before the technology sees widespread deployment.
The governor also urged an international effort with China to create "practical guardrails to reduce risks to the American people." He pressed the Trump administration to prioritize AI safety during President Donald Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, rather than solely focusing on technological dominance.
Shapiro criticized the administration's foreign policy, stating, "It's time for the Trump administration to stop alienating our allies, starting wars that destabilize our world, and damaging our credibility in foreign capitals." He added that the administration must "start leading the conversation on how we can mobilize countries around the world to join us in responsibly regulating AI."
He expressed hope that President Trump "will leave the bluster and showmanship at the door and engage proactively and productively and responsibly on this issue." Shapiro clarified that he is not advocating for a halt to AI development, but for responsible deployment.
President Trump rejected the idea of placing guardrails on artificial intelligence. He posted on Truth Social that the only control needed is "a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A." Trump dismissed growing concerns about AI safety as "a hoax."
Shapiro maintained that many companies are not using AI ethically or responsibly. He said some are acting purposefully, while others have lost control of their creations.
"They're focused on winning the race, developing the next model, or growing at scale above all else — and not always paying attention, or caring, about the negative consequences," Shapiro said.
The governor cited his administration's lawsuit against Character.AI as a prime example of technology outpacing regulation. A state investigation found that AI chatbot characters on the platform claimed to be licensed medical professionals.
"Within just a few minutes, our investigators were connected with a chatbot, who went by the name of Emilie, who claimed to be an expert in psychology or psychiatry and quickly dispensed medical advice," Shapiro said. He added that "The chatbot even produced a bogus medical license number in Pennsylvania, presenting itself as a licensed medical provider. That is against the law — and my administration sued Character.AI to stop it."
