Paul Driessen Urges AI Expansion to Counter Foreign Adversaries
Paul Driessen argues the United States must expand AI and data center development using fossil fuels and nuclear power to maintain national security and economic competitiveness.
Senior policy advisor Paul Driessen argues that the United States must accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and data centers to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and ISIS. Driessen contends that lagging in AI capabilities would leave the U.S. vulnerable to foreign propaganda and cyberattacks, while the benefits to defense and medical research outweigh risks regarding surveillance and job displacement.
Driessen dismisses environmental concerns raised by groups such as Friends of the Earth, asserting that land and water use for data centers are minimal compared to agriculture and renewable energy. He notes that modern closed-loop cooling systems reduce water consumption and that facilities can be built on reclaimed industrial land. He specifically highlights Loudoun County, Virginia, as a successful model where data centers provide nearly half of the local tax revenue.
Regarding energy, Driessen advocates for the use of coal, gas, and nuclear power to meet rising electricity demands. He criticizes Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey for insisting on wind and solar power, which he describes as "fake-clean" energy that drives up costs. Additionally, Driessen opposes calls from Senator Bernie Sanders to pause or ban the "mad dash" for artificial intelligence, warning that such a move would cede a critical strategic advantage to foreign powers.
