Trump, Tech Leaders Sign ‘Morally Binding’ AI Safety Accord

President Donald Trump and executives from major technology companies signed a voluntary artificial intelligence agreement in Washington on Tuesday, establishing a set of principles intended to guide the development and oversight of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with technology leaders at the White House, Trump compared the AI accord to a constitution and described it as “morally binding.” He said the agreement represents a form of protection as the United States seeks to maintain its leadership in artificial intelligence while addressing potential safety risks.

The agreement centers on voluntary safeguards and self-regulation by AI companies. House Speaker Mike Johnson described it as a joint commitment that would require participating companies to maintain strong internal controls, while reports said the framework includes both internal and external reviews of advanced AI technology.

Trump also said his administration is considering creating an AI oversight committee consisting of roughly 10 members. The proposed panel would monitor developments across the industry, although details about its membership, authority and responsibilities have not been finalized.

The initiative comes as governments worldwide grapple with how to oversee rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. Some leading AI companies and executives have urged policymakers to address potentially serious safety risks, increasing pressure on governments to determine how much regulation is necessary without slowing technological innovation.

Trump has generally favored a lighter regulatory approach. He said Tuesday that AI companies should engage in significant self-policing and that the government should avoid restricting the technology’s development.

His position also reflects opposition to international efforts that he believes could impose excessive controls on U.S. artificial intelligence. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly last week, Trump rejected attempts to establish what he characterized as a global framework for controlling AI.

The new voluntary AI accord therefore signals an approach centered on industry safeguards and oversight rather than sweeping new federal AI regulations.