Can AI solve the problems it creates? (with David Sacks)

In this episode of The Conversation, host Dasha Burns sits down with David Sachs, Special Advisor to President Trump on AI, to explore the U.S. strategy for leading the global AI race. Sachs advocates for a 'let-them-cook' philosophy—minimal, non-disruptive regulation to foster innovation, arguing that slowing down U.S. AI development would cede ground to China, which already hosts half the world’s AI talent. He outlines three pillars of the administration’s AI framework: permissionless innovation, pro-energy infrastructure (to support power-hungry data centers), and pro-export policies to ensure American AI models dominate global markets. Sachs addresses public fears around AI—child safety, job displacement, and cybersecurity—with targeted solutions like parental empowerment, ratepayer protection pledges, and AI-driven cyber defense. He dismisses broad liability for AI companies, arguing developers can't monitor every use case, and emphasizes that AI will likely solve the very problems it creates, such as cyber threats. Despite widespread public skepticism—only 39% of Americans are optimistic about AI compared to 83% in China—Sachs remains confident that the U.S. can win the race through smart policy, economic momentum, and a focus on real harms rather than fear-driven regulation.