Alexandr Wang, spearheading Scale AI, has publicly beseeched the Trump government for heightened AI funding through The Washington Post. Reiterating the need for the US to triumph the “AI War”, Wang’s plea followed his attendance at Trump’s inauguration.
As per the ad published on X, Wang’s proposal encompasses five elemental steps to secure a win against China in this alleged ‘AI War’. He is optimistic about the new administration’s ability to fortify US leadership in AI ahead of China.
Scale AI, specializing in data labeling and processing for sizeable AI initiatives, was worth a hefty $13.8 billion last year. Wang calls on the government to mirror big tech companies in investing more in data and computation. To secure a future replete with AI jobs, he suggests a thorough review of existing regulations.
He throws light on the necessity to prepare federal agencies for AI by 2027 and chalks out an assertive plan for AI-centric data centers to facilitate low-cost electricity. He also shares suggestions on implementing AI safety measures.
These whistleblowing measures could advantage companies like Scale, especially if federal spending on data inflates. Scale is a known service provider to the US Government and is allegedly a part of plans for a US defense startup consortium.
Wang perceives the proposed changes not just as a boon for Scale, grappling with contractual employee issues, but more to sustain the US’s AI advantage over China.
He points out the rapid AI progress in China, highlighting successful models like DeepSeek, and insists on the US’s need to stay ahead. However, his ‘war’ analogy has stirred controversy, with critics like former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear emphasizing AI development as a collective global goal, not a war.
Only time will tell how the Trump administration responds, considering their recent revocation of the preceding administration’s AI-focused Executive Order.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
