Evangelical Leaders Call Trump ‘AI President,’ Stressing the Need for Responsible Technology Use

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas recently joined AI deep fake victim Elliston Berry to discuss the critical importance of the ‘Take It Down’ bill, aimed at protecting individuals from deep fakes and revenge porn. Cruz warned that such issues are becoming increasingly prevalent and need urgent attention. In an open letter, a group of evangelical leaders praised former President Donald Trump for his approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and advocated for responsible development of this technology.

They referred to Trump as the “AI President,” expressing their belief that he is positioned by “Divine Providence” to steer the ethical future of AI. While acknowledging the benefits of technological advancements for their ministries and economic prosperity, they urged that the AI revolution be pursued with caution. The faith leaders raised significant ethical concerns regarding the rapid advancement of AI, suggesting that it could lead to “potential peril” for humanity.

They referenced warnings from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Bill Gates about AI’s potential to eliminate jobs across various sectors and its capacity to inflict human suffering. The pastors asserted a need for the U.S. not to slow its progress in the AI race, but they emphasized that such victories should not come at the expense of ethical considerations. They advocated for the swift development of AI that addresses societal challenges, such as disease cure, while cautioning against creating autonomous systems that exceed human control.

The leaders highlighted the profound ethical and theological questions surrounding the creation of superintelligent machines and called for thoughtful deliberation on the subject. The letter, signed by 18 pastors, was organized by Rev. Johnnie Moore and Rev.

Samuel Rodriguez, and followed Pope Leo XIV’s remarks comparing AI advancements to the Industrial Revolution, urging the Church to address AI’s societal implications. In April, Trump signed an executive order to enhance AI education, further solidifying his commitment to the field.