Science Policy AI News & Updates
Trump Administration Cuts Threaten Critical US AI Research Funding
The Trump administration has fired key AI experts at the National Science Foundation, jeopardizing important government funding for artificial intelligence research. The layoffs have caused postponement or cancellation of review panels, stalling funding for AI projects, with critics including AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton condemning the cuts to scientific grant-making.
Skynet Chance (+0.06%): The dismantling of government oversight and funding structures for AI research reduces coordinated public-interest supervision of AI development, potentially allowing commercial interests to dominate the field with less emphasis on safety and alignment concerns.
Skynet Date (+4 days): Reduced government funding for diverse, safety-oriented research may slow overall development of robust AI safety measures and alignment techniques, potentially extending the timeline before safe, advanced AI systems can be developed.
AGI Progress (-0.08%): The disruption to government funding pipelines will likely slow certain academic and public-sector AI research initiatives, potentially delaying breakthrough work that could contribute to AGI development. The cuts represent a modest setback to overall research momentum.
AGI Date (+2 days): The reduction in government-sponsored AI research funding will likely slow some foundational research efforts, particularly in academia, potentially extending timelines for reaching key AGI-enabling breakthroughs that rely on diverse research approaches.