How ‘Effective Altruism’ went from fringe philosophy to Trump’s AI villain

The Trump administration rarely speaks with one voice, particularly when it comes to AI policy. But lately, a chorus of Trump officials has all been in harmony about one thing: Effective Altruism is bad. “Americanism, not effective altruism,” the Department of War tweeted in mid-Sept. “The United States will continue to be AI DOMINANT!” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth chastised Effective Altruism for “sanctimonious rhetoric” used to “strong arm the United States military into submission.” Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, called its ideology “dangerous” and “pretty dystopian.” But what is “Effective Altruism” and how did this once obscure philosophical movement wind up in the crosshairs of some of the most powerful U.S. officials and their efforts to argue against AI regulation?

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Source Scout · Fortune ↗