NAIROBI, Kenya- Elon Musk appeared remotely at Riyadh’s Future Investment Initiative (Saudi investor forum) on Tuesday, warning attendees about the ideological influences he claims are affecting artificial intelligence models built in the U.S.
His message? AI is becoming “woke” and “nihilistic” instead of focused on seeking the truth, a trajectory he finds deeply troubling.
Musk also seized the moment to voice his support for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential run, sharing his concerns about over-regulation and his preference for Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Musk, whose ventures have long embraced cutting-edge tech, had a clear message for the AI-curious crowd in Riyadh: he believes today’s AI models are adopting the political leanings of their creators, particularly in tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area.
“It tends to be trained to be politically correct, and for a lot of AIs that are being trained in the San Francisco Bay Area, they have taken on the philosophy of the people around them, which kind of makes sense,” Musk said.
He went as far as sharing a startling anecdote, noting an AI model that purportedly ranked misgendering Caitlyn Jenner as a greater danger than nuclear war, underscoring his concerns about biased value judgments within AI programming.
Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is aiming to become a key player in artificial intelligence.
It’s a focus the forum took seriously, with multiple panels dedicated to the topic. Musk’s remarks on ideological influences in AI echo broader debates on ethical AI and the need for balanced development, particularly as nations compete to lead in AI advancement.
Amid his concerns about AI, Musk turned to a topic he’s been vocal about: the regulatory environment.
With typical frankness, he argued that “over-regulation” is stifling innovation, citing a particularly relatable example: “It takes longer to get a permit to launch than to build a giant rocket.” Musk’s ongoing battle with regulatory hurdles has become a recurring theme, especially as SpaceX works to advance its ambitious plans.
During his talk, Musk also reiterated his support for Donald Trump, a Republican candidate vying for a return to the White House.
With over 200 million followers on X, Musk’s political endorsements have attracted significant attention.
Since announcing his support for Trump, Musk has made his preferences clear through frequent posts endorsing Trump’s policies and critiquing Vice President Kamala Harris.
His influence on the election is palpable; as Musk himself noted, “I’ve been playing a significant role in this election.”
The Saudi forum showcased Musk’s influence across industries—from AI development to regulatory policy—and his remarks have reignited debate over the future direction of artificial intelligence, ideological biases in tech, and the role of powerful individuals in politics.
