‘Not where they hoped it'd be’: Launch of Trump AI promotion program underwhelms

The American AI Exports Program, a Trump administration initiative to boost exports of artificial intelligence technologies, received only 78 applications in its first round. The low number suggests that the program has not generated the expected interest from industry. The program was intended to provide assistance to AI companies seeking to sell their products abroad.

Industry officials attributed the tepid response to regulatory uncertainty. They said companies are hesitant to commit to the program without clearer rules on issues such as data security and export controls. The program's requirements may also be seen as burdensome given the fluctuating policy landscape.

The underwhelming launch poses a challenge to the administration's broader AI agenda, which has emphasized promoting American AI leadership. The outcome underscores the difficulty of aligning industry participation with policy goals in a fast-moving technological domain.