IBM to Washington: Don’t Pull the Plug on AI Progress

Pleading for Progress

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna is urging the Trump administration to boost federal funding for artificial intelligence R&D, warning that cutting investment at this pivotal moment could cede ground to global competitors. In a letter addressed to the White House, Krishna emphasized the importance of sustained government support in fostering innovation, economic growth, and national security through AI. He pointed out that countries like China are rapidly escalating their AI capabilities, and the U.S. risks falling behind without a firm commitment to public sector funding. Krishna’s call comes amid reports that the Trump administration is considering trimming budgets in several innovation-driven areas.

Public-Private Synergy at Stake

Krishna underscored the necessity of a public-private partnership to advance U.S. leadership in AI, noting that federal R&D investment has historically catalyzed transformative technologies. He argued that while private companies like IBM are pushing the AI frontier, they depend on basic research and infrastructure typically funded by the government. Without continued federal leadership, Krishna warned, the U.S. may struggle to guide AI’s societal impact and responsible development. He advocated not just maintaining current funding levels but increasing them to signal long-term strategic commitment.