Outgoing AI Advisor Krishnan Blasts CEOs for Dystopian Messaging
Leaders' doomer narratives caused public backlash, says Trump's advisor.
Sriram Krishnan, outgoing White House AI advisor to President Donald Trump, has sharply criticized leaders of elite AI labs for what he calls a 'terrible job' communicating the technology's benefits. In an interview with the Financial Times, the former venture capitalist argued that constant messaging about apocalyptic scenarios—mass job displacement, existential threats—has turned everyday Americans against AI. 'The AI sector has done a terrible job of explaining the benefits,' Krishnan said, noting that breakthroughs like advanced medical diagnoses are overshadowed by fear. He blamed CEOs directly: 'It is due to your own doomer messaging that voters are pushing back.'
To restore public trust, Krishnan threw his support behind a White House proposal that would force top AI companies to donate equity stakes to the American public—a plan President Trump recently discussed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Despite Silicon Valley calling it 'backdoor nationalization,' Krishnan insists it's necessary for people to feel they benefit from AI's wealth. He also vowed there will be 'no FDA for AI,' rejecting calls for a centralized licensing agency. 'Setting up a bureaucratic regime would put sand in the gears of the AI revolution,' Krishnan said, reaffirming a hands-off regulatory stance under Trump.
- Krishnan blames AI CEOs for doomer messaging on job loss and existential risk, causing public backlash.
- He supports a White House proposal requiring top AI firms to donate equity to the American public.
- Krishnan vows no FDA-style regulation for AI under Trump, rejecting centralized licensing.
Why It Matters
Regulatory and public relations strategy for AI may shift toward public equity and away from strict oversight.