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National Security

AI in defense, intelligence, and the U.S.–China technology contest.

AI is being integrated into intelligence analysis, autonomous systems, cyber operations, and logistics. It is also at the center of export controls and the broader U.S.–China technology relationship.

Why it matters to voters

Decisions about export controls, defense procurement, and AI in weapons systems carry foreign-policy weight that lasts decades.

Recent developments

  • 2025
    Expanded U.S. export controls on advanced chips and chip-making equipment.
  • 2026
    Innovation Council Action, tied to White House AI adviser David Sacks, surfaces with a Trump-AI scorecard strategy for lawmakers.

Political & policy relevance

Most national-security AI policy is set by executive action and procurement decisions, not Congress.

Candidates working on this

Further reading

Last updated 2025