Pennsylvania Governor Calls for Federal AI Regulation, Criticizes Trump's Downplaying of Risks Governor Josh Shapiro urged federal oversight of artificial intelligence at a Pittsburgh summit, criticizing Donald Trump for dismissing AI dangers as a hoax. He proposed strict guardrails, international consensus, and transparency in AI development, while highlighting his state's data‑center policies and the broader bipartisan debate on the technology's risks. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed an artificial intelligence summit held in Pittsburgh on Thursday, urging federal officials to adopt comprehensive regulatory measures for the technology. In his remarks, Shapiro cautioned against the dismissive stance taken by former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called AI concerns a hoax and a "sick conspiracy." Shapiro emphasized that while he does not view AI as an inevitable threat to humanity, the potential risks are real and should not be ignored by lawmakers or the public. The governor called for the establishment of "strict guardrails" at the national level, including third‑party oversight of frontier AI models, increased transparency across the development pipeline, and a prioritization of safety protocols.He also urged the federal government to forge an international consensus on AI regulation, urging President Trump to prioritize discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on practical mitigation measures. Shapiro criticised Speaker Mike Johnson for letting the House recess without taking any action on AI oversight, and highlighted the broader political debate surrounding technology policy. Shapiro's remarks come at a time when Democrats eyeing potential 2028 presidential runs are pressing the issue of AI policy on their platforms.Former President Barack Obama has encouraged prospective candidates to place AI regulation high on their agendas. The Governor's call for action aligns with his earlier executive order that restricted fast‑track approvals for AI‑driven data centers in Pennsylvania, setting new development standards a year after announcing Amazon's $20 billion investment in the state. His administration, which has labeled itself "all in on AI," has taken a moderate stance between the extremes of unchecked acceleration and a complete halt in progress.Beyond federal and state policy, Shapiro touched on the economic and political implications of AI. He critiqued companies that publicly called for regulation while privately funding lobbying efforts to oppose such measures, alleging a conflict of interest that undermines public trust. In the context of the 2024 gubernatorial race, the Governor targeted GOP opponent Stacy Garrity with data‑center focused attack ads, labeling her "Pennsylvania's number one fan of data centers." Garrity responded with a smaller advertising spend, countering Shapiro's initial support for Amazon's investment. The broader national debate reflects a growing divide between industry leaders urging the slow‑down of AI development and lawmakers and advocacy groups demanding tighter oversight. While some politicians, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have called for a ban on superintelligence that could override human decision‑making, Shapiro advocated a balanced approach.He argued that the solution lies somewhere between advancing technology without restraint and halting progress entirely, recognizing both the opportunities and the risks AI presents to society. Shapiro concluded his address by urging bipartisan cooperation and transparency. He stated that the federal government must establish clear, enforceable standards that prevent misuse of AI while still promoting innovation. The Governor declared that Pennsylvania would position itself as a leader in responsible AI development, balancing economic growth with public safety.The summit's discussions underscore the urgent need for coordinated policy responses that address the rapid evolution of AI and its potential impact on national security, privacy, and democratic institutions