Vice President J.D. Vance made a bold case for keeping artificial intelligence (AI) free from heavy government regulation, arguing it’s a win for both American workers and tech industry leaders. Speaking at the Andreessen Horowitz American Dynamism Summit in Washington, D.C., Vance emphasized that AI has the potential to strengthen the workforce, not just replace it.
“We’re hearing too much doom and gloom about AI wiping out jobs,” Vance noted. “The reality is, AI can enhance how we work, making many tasks more efficient without eliminating human involvement.”
Vance pointed to historical examples where technological advancements led to short-term job shifts but eventually created better, more meaningful opportunities. He referenced the banking sector, where ATMs reduced the need for tellers but opened the door to higher-value roles. According to him, AI could follow a similar path—paving the way for better-paying and more engaging jobs.
Decades of Policy Failures Hurt Both Workers and Innovators, Says Vance
Vance didn’t hold back when criticizing past administrations for failing both working-class Americans and the nation’s tech innovators.
“For 40 years, leaders from both sides have let down the people who build this country and those driving innovation,” he stated. “It’s time to change that.”
The vice president stressed that the Trump administration’s hands-off approach to AI regulation would empower the tech industry to innovate freely. This, he argued, is critical for maintaining America’s edge in global technology leadership.
Tariff Reforms and Lower Immigration Will Keep Jobs in America
Alongside AI deregulation, Vance also pushed for reworking international trade deals and tightening immigration policies to discourage companies from offshoring jobs.
“Relying on cheap labor abroad is a shortcut that stifles real innovation,” Vance explained. “When businesses chase the lowest labor costs, they stop investing in better technology and smarter processes at home.”
By reshaping tariffs and limiting the flow of low-cost labor, Vance believes companies will be forced to invest in U.S.-based operations and technology development.
“Our goal should be to drive investment and build here, in the United States of America, where workers are paid fairly and innovation thrives,” he added.
