Former President Barack Obama is calling on Democrats to make artificial intelligence a central policy priority, urging lawmakers to develop a clear framework for addressing the technology’s economic effects and potential risks.
Obama made the comments during a Democratic fundraising event, where House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries interviewed him. According to The New York Times, Obama said Democrats need a public conversation around AI policy if they regain control of the House.
“This is something that is moving very fast in private hands, and if we don’t get on top of it, I think can be dangerous,” Obama said.
Obama also said AI could deliver significant benefits if developed responsibly, pointing to areas such as drug discovery and medical research.
AI safety debate expands in Washington
The comments come as policymakers, technology leaders and researchers debate how governments should respond to increasingly capable AI systems. Obama said Democrats need a clear plan rather than reacting after problems emerge.
Jeffries said Obama was correct that action on artificial intelligence is needed and criticised Republicans for what he described as a failure to address the issue.
The former president has also spoken with AI executives, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, while serving as a sounding board during discussions about the technology’s future.
AI companies debate pace and safeguards
Obama’s comments follow broader discussions among AI leaders about safety measures. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently proposed slowing the pace of frontier AI development through independent evaluators, shared safety standards and international coordination.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also supported independent evaluators having access to AI companies’ systems as part of safety oversight efforts.
President Donald Trump has taken a different approach, emphasising U.S. leadership in AI while also saying safeguards could be considered. Bloomberg reported that Trump said the United States must remain the global leader in artificial intelligence.
The growing debate reflects a broader effort among political leaders and technology companies to determine how AI should be developed, regulated and integrated into society.
